Bluff (dredge) Oysters Tio Paruparu; Tiostrea Chilensis
Fondly known as Bluffies, Bluff oysters live in gravel or coarse sand in the seabed, in waters 25 to 50 metres deep. While they can be found in small patches around New Zealand’s coast (Tasman and Golden Bay have them too) ,it is notably in the cold clear waters of the Foveaux strait where they are found in dense beds.. The same species is found in Chile.
Bluff oysters are available from March to August and the start of the Bluff oyster season sparks great excitement around the country.
Their silky smooth texture and pure sea fresh flavour has oyster lovers rating these as up there with the best oysters in the world.
Purchasing
The majority of Bluff oysters available in shops are in pottles, while this does keep the oysters fresh hopefully we will see a time soon when live Bluff oysters are available as well. . If you happen to find live Bluff oysters, their shells should be tightly closed or close slowly when tapped. These should be stored in an open container with a damp cloth over them, in the fridge, and used within 24 hours.
To open the oysters, Hold the oyster firmly in a tea towel on a bench with the flat shell uppermost. Push the point of an oyster knife into the hinge, located at the narrowest point, and move the knife back and forth until the hinge breaks and you can slide the knife between the 2 shells. Twist the point of the knife upwards to lift up the top shell Flick the oyster from the bottom shell and remove it, picking out any little bits of shell. Eat immediately.
Sustainability
Bluff oysters have been commercially fished in the Foveaux Strait since the late 1880s. Over that time, total landings of oysters have varied from 7.5 to 77 million oysters annually.
Bonamia exitiosa, a parasite identified in 1986 and found globally, caused high mortality in the oyster population. In response, reduced catch limits were put in place, including a period of closure from 1993-1996. The fishery has since recovered and catch limits are now being increased. Regular monitoring for disease outbreaks is in place. In 2012, the catch limit was set at 14.95 million oysters, of which 77% was harvested (11.5 million oysters).
Health and Wellbeing
Bluff oysters are a good source of iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin C, and are a source of copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin D.
While purists would argue that Bluff oysters are at their best as is, there are others who like to incorporate them into recipes such as;
Leek and Potato Soup with Oysters – really delicious
Oysters with Asian Flavours
Al Brown’s Oyster Rockefeller
Canape Oysters in a Champagne Sauce
Peter Gordon Beer Battered Bluff Oysters
How do you like your oysters?
Natural or cooked and if cooked then what are your favourite recipes?
the “true blue” oyster, is the pearl of the south, natural is the only way to have them and reap the benefit of all the goodness( iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin C, and are a source of copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin D.)
the flavour is best with nothing more than a sprinkle of salt & pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, served in their own shells,over a bed of ice….. this is one of the best natural flavours “eva”
enjoy! cheers
Raw… In the shell, on ice… Drizzled lightly with chardonnay vinaigrette and finely chopped chives… sSCOFFF!
The way I cook Bluff Oysters is slightly coated each Oyster in flour then cook in a butter and oil until the Oysters are cooked.
fried coated with panko breadcrumbs. Sorry all you that love them natural, but .. im not one.
I had my first 3 Bluff oysters of the season yesterday and they were HUGE and juicy. I can’t believe anybody would cook them. They just slide down so beautifully with a drop of Worcestershire sauce!
Had my first Bluff Oysters (natural) last week in Bluff while visiting NZ. They were delicious!!! Now back home to our Aussie oysters.
Just totally natural with a squeeze of lemon juice or VSB’s Tempura Bluff oysters are to die for – light fluffy tempura and quickly cooked – ohhhhh
Bluff Oysters.
Empty the pottle (12 of the beauties) into a bowl. Squeeze juice of half a lemon and 3-4 good shakes of Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently and toss the oysters in the liquid. Eat IMMEDIATELY, you don’t want the sauce to start ‘cooking’ them.