Everything that is not «fish » is seafood, as long as it lives in salt water. Bordering the Atlantic at latitudes that foster the growth of an array of sea life, Québec exports much of this seafood. Lobster, a cold-water crustacean, is of excellent quality, and Magdalen Island catches are highly prized. Every year, come spring, the fishing season opens with huge lobster feeds, and no Québecer would want to miss out on this celebration. Chefs outdo themselves with their ingenious lobster recipes. Another famous member of the crustacean family is the Northern shrimp, which is small, pink and tastes a little like almonds. Snow crab, with its delicate flavor, is another star. The lion ’s share of these products is exported.
Québec waters teem with a wide variety of shellfish. Aquaculture makes sustained and monitored harvesting possible. Blue mussels are not new to Québec tables, and several restaurants have made them their specialty.
Scallops are a favorite mollusk and scallop farming is being studied extensively. The Magdalen Islands and Québec ’s North Shore produce varieties that are very popular. Sea scallops are gaining attention.
Various marketing projects are underway to promote Stimpson ’s clams,which are present in abundance on the North Shore and are beginning to gain ground with Québeckers. This sweet- tasting and delicate marine species is a much-sought culinary experience. Markets abroad are enthusiastic about this surfclam, and harvests are exported fresh from the water. The same is true for razor clams, a type of delicately tender shellfish shaped like a razor, as the name suggests.
Green sea urchins are also part of the bounty of the sea. Québec ’s shoreline is a reserve of sorts for this exported product. Japan is the main client for the iodine-rich delicacy, which, slowly but surely, is winning the hearts of Québeckers.
Chefs play an active role in changing culinary habits. Ever on the lookout for new products, and aware of the importance of showcasing Québec ’s resources, they are the best promoters of these gourmet products from the sea.