Oysters Archives - Sardeenz!

Northern Catch Smoked Oysters with Red Chili Pepper

Picked up these Northern Catch Smoked Oysters with Red Chili Pepper at Aldi on a whim. You don't really see any variation in smoked oysters beyond some brands-- Roland comes to mind-- that grade and sell them according to size. Northern Catch, the Aldi exclusive brand, has two versions of smoked oysters, a regular smoked and this one "with red chili pepper". Both retail for under a buck and a half.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.

As with most canned smoked oysters, the aroma is about the same. There was the red pepper, right there on top. I counted 12 oysters in this particular can, whole as per the package, and about medium size as canned smoked oysters go. Texturally, about average for smoked oysters. Some were "meatier" than others.

Like the regular version, these are packed in cottonseed oil. The pepper imparted only the slightest heat to the contents. I might not have realized it was there had I not known beforehand. Tasting the pepper, I was surprised it didn't infuse the oil or oysters more, as it was rather piquant. All things considered, however, hard to beat at the price.

Brand: Aldi/Northern Catch
Description: Smoked Oysters with red chili pepper
Species: Crassostrea Gigas
Country of Origin: China
Source: Farmed
Skin/Bones: N/A
Net Wt: 3.0 oz.
Price Range: $1-2

Chicken of the Sea Smoked Oysters in Oil

DeenLeave a comment

One day, I will find the quintessential canned smoked oyster. Today is not that day. Don't get me wrong, these Chicken of the Sea Smoked Oysters in Oil weren't terrible, just not particularly remarkable.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.

The size was small to about about average, 17 or so in the can. But the can is packed quite full. I couldn't see them fitting any more in there. The oil is neutral, and listed as "cottonseed and/or sunflower", which is common for tinned smoked oysters. There's not much of an aroma to them.

For smoked oysters, they weren't particularly smoky tasting. The texture was typical of most supermarket brands, a little mealy rather than meaty. Eaten on crackers, and served with other snacky foods, they would be OK.

The search continues.

Brand: Chicken of the Sea
Description: Smoked Oysters in Oil
Species: N/S
Country of Origin: N/S
Source: N/S
Skin/Bones: N/A
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $2-3

Smoked Oyster Duel

DeenLeave a comment

Smoked oysters are a tinned fish staple. If you've had canned sardines, chances are you've also had canned smoked oysters. If you want a change of pace from sardines, mackerel, herring, etc, they can be a good choice. Let's compare two popular brands.

Northern Catch Smoked Oysters

Northern Catch is an Aldi house brand, like many of their products. The first thing you notice about these Northern Catch Smoked Oysters is that they're packed in cottonseed oil. A quick search revealed the jury's deadlocked on whether it's a good or a bad thing. One also has to wonder what problem the state of California has with these. (The answer is here).

Initial impression upon opening the can: 3.5/5.

As with many canned smoked oysters, the texture was a little mealy. The oil is very neutral, and doesn't add to or subtract anything from the flavor. The smallness means there's more in the can, so perhaps a good option for use in a pasta dish.

Inexpensive, at under a buck and a half, they were worth a try. Like most tinned smoked oysters, they're small; it would take at least four to equal the size of an average Louisiana oyster.

Brand: Aldi/Northern Catch
Description: Smoked Oysters in Cottonseed Oil
Species: Crassostrea Gigas
Country of Origin: China
Source: Farmed
Skin/Bones: N/A
Net Wt: 3.0 oz.
Price Range: $1-2

Next, we compare to the Crown Prince.

Crown Prince Natural Smoked Oysters in Olive Oil

These were found at Trader Joe's, but can be found most anywhere. At $3.49, they were quite a bit pricier, but the quality difference was notable. There doesn't seem to be any of the brand offered at a reasonable price at Amazon. I will continue to try to find these at a better price.

Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.

The first thing you notice when opening the can is how much larger they are than the ones from Aldi. I counted 11 in the can. The texture was a bit "meatier" as well, which was a plus. That they are packed in olive oil is also preferable.

I noticed that Crown Prince also offers a version packed in cottonseed oil, sourced from China like the Aldi brand. They also sell a China-sourced version in Spanish olive oil. Both bear the description "Fancy Whole", whereas the version I tried just had the word "Natural". It bears noting that you really need to pay attention to make sure you're getting what you want.

Brand: Crown Prince
Description: Smoked Oysters in Olive Oil
Species: NS
Country of Origin: South Korea
Source: FAO61, Northwest Pacific
Skin/Bones: N/A
Net Wt: 3.0 oz.
Price Range: $3-4