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Where do Amélie oysters come from? While you may have enjoyed a plate of fresh oysters at your favorite seafood restaurant, have you ever wondered where they come from and the hard work that goes into cultivating them? In this article, we’ll take a journey to Marennes-Oléron region, in France. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of oyster farming, guided by a three-generation farmer who has dedicated their life to this craft.

The Marennes-Oléron region (France), is the cradle of oysters since roman times. The great families of the empire brought them in at great expense for their banquets.

Like wine, oysters take on unique properties depending on the environment they’re grown in – their own unique “merroir”. Amélie has its own exclusive “merroir”.

Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, an oyster farming town

Economic activity has always been oriented towards the sea. Formerly the inhabitants were salt workers and fishermen, today they are sailors and oyster farmers.

Pointe du Chapus has a port used by oyster farmers and a small fleet of trawlers.

The old SNCF station (restored in 2004) testifies to the importance of the oyster farming and tourist traffic that it experienced until 1970 with the Paris Austerlitz-Le Chapus line. A second station existed in the center of the town as the quantity of oysters to be shipped was large, especially during the end of year celebrations. Today, trucks are replacing the train via the seafood product transit platform inaugurated in 2003.

Bourcefranc-Le Chapus is the leading oyster port in the Marennes-Oléron basin, by the number of registered maritime oyster farmers.  This is why the town has a renowned establishment, the Lycée Aquacole de la Mer et du Littoral, where its students can prepare the traditional baccalaureates but above all the certificates of technicians related to maritime activities.

Grilled Oysters with Pine Needles by Marvin Lance from Restaurant Le Saint Nicolas, Megève, France:

Marvin Lance, a chef at Le Saint-Nicolas in Megève, brings a special dish combining his love for the sea and the mountains. Inspired by his dad from Bretagne and his love for the alpine region, he created this simple yet unique grilled oyster dish.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Amélie oysters
• Pine needles
• Butter
• A bit of sauvignon blanc wine
• Pepper to taste

This dish blends the taste of the ocean with the fresh aroma of pine, making it a tribute to Marvin’s heritage and his culinary journey.

Just because the festive season has come to a close doesn’t mean we should stop enjoying the delicacies it brings, especially oysters. Far from being just a holiday treat, oysters pack a nutritional punch that benefits us all year round.

Take, for instance, the humble oyster. Not only is it a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Rich in zinc, it’s a guardian for your eyes, protecting the retina and ensuring your vision stays sharp. The vitamin B12 content is another feather in its cap, acting as a shield against memory loss and keeping your cognitive functions in check.

But that’s not all. Oysters are brimming with iodine, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium – a cocktail of minerals that fortify your body in various ways. And when it comes to protein, a dozen of these shellfish, particularly the No. 3 size with their flesh and natural juices, can rival a 100-gram steak. They even match a glass of milk in providing your daily calcium needs.

The marvels of oysters extend beyond their flesh. In the world of high-end cosmetics, nothing from the oyster goes to waste. Extracts and powdered shell find their way into skincare products, offering a touch of luxury and the promise of rejuvenation.

So, the next time you think of oysters, remember they’re not just for special occasions. They’re a year-round treasure trove of health benefits, and even their shells carry a touch of elegance into the world of beauty.

Source : “Les Echos”. Link here.

Recipe: Grilled Oysters with mortadella from chef Emmanuel from Chalet Lupo in Megève.

Ingredients:

• Fresh oysters
• Garlic
• Shallots
• Fresh parsley
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Water from the oysters
• Mortadella, cut into small cubes
• Croutons

Instructions:

1. Prep the Oysters: Shuck the oysters carefully, preserving their natural water. Set aside.

2. Make the Vinaigrette: In a mixing bol, add olive oil and a small amount of butter. Add garlic shallots and fresh parsley.

3. Combine with Oyster Water:  Add the water from the oysters to infuse the flavors.

4. Prep the Oysters for Grilling: Place the oysters on a grill-safe dish. Spoon a bit of the vinaigrette over each oyster.

5. Add Mortadelle and Croutons: Sprinkle small cubes of mortadelle and croutons over the oysters.

6. Grill: Place the oysters under a hot grill for about 30 seconds, just enough to warm them through and get a slight crisp on the mortadelle and croutons.

7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy these delicious grilled oysters, bursting with the flavors of Chef Emmanuel’s unique touch.

Chef’s Note:  This dish of Grilled Oysters with mortadella is a celebration of flavors, perfect for the opening of the ski season at Chalet Lupo. Pair it with a crisp white wine for an unforgettable experience.

Ski season is in full swing, and we’re excited to announce that our Huîtres Amélie are back at the Baqueira Beret Moët & Chandon Lounge this year!

Keeping it simple but exciting with this dish! Fresh oysters with a kiwi kick. The kiwi adds the perfect amount of tang and makes the oysters taste even better. And just for fun, try eating them with chopsticks if you’re up for a little challenge!

As we step into the New Year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued clients and dedicated team. May the coming year be filled with prosperity, growth, and success for us all.

Exclusive event at Juno House, Barcelona.  We are proud to announce that Huîtres Amélie were recently featured at an exclusive event at Juno House, Barcelona’s premier private members’ club for women. Juno House is a unique space where members are both stimulated and supported, thriving in their personal and professional lives.

Our Huîtres Amélie’s presence at this event highlights our commitment to quality and excellence, aligning perfectly with the ethos of Juno House.