Food Encyclopedia

Atlantic oyster

Also called Eastern oyster, this species has a thick, elongated shell that ranges from 2 to 5 inches across. It's found along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico and is considered ideal for serving on the half shell. Atlantic oysters are sold under different names depending on where they're harvested. The most well known is the bluepoint; others include Apalachicola, Cape Cod, Chesapeake, Chincoteague, Indian River, Kent Island, Malpeque and Wellfleet. See also oyster.