England is a country renowned for its culinary delicacies, with shellfish being one of the most popular foods.

With the diversity and abundance of coastlines in the country, there is no shortage of seafood varieties and it’s always interesting to know which shellfish catches are most sought after in a particular year. 2021 has seen an assortment of delectable shellfish catches that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. Here are the top shellfish catches in England this year.

1. Whitby Crab

Whitby is a small town in Northern Yorkshire, England, known for its delicious crab catches. Whitby crabs have a distinctive flavour that makes them stand out from other types of crab catches.

Locals in the area use traditional fishing methods to catch these crabs, which remain an important part of Whitby’s economy and heritage.

2. Fal Oysters

Cornwall is known for its diverse seafood and one of their specialties is Fal Oysters. These oysters are considered a true luxury, and have been a sought-after delicacy for centuries.

Fal Oysters are harvested from the clear waters of the Fal Estuary, which offers a unique and distinctive flavour that reflects the unique marine environment found in the area.

3. Lyme Bay Scallops

Lyme Bay Scallops are some of the best scallops you can find in England. They are fished off the coast of Devon and Dorset and offer a sweet, delicate flavour, with a slightly salty taste.

Lyme Bay Scallops are a popular seafood for chefs in the country and are known to add a special touch to culinary creations.

4. Roasted Lobster

Lobster is one of the most treasured seafood delicacies, and the roasted lobster found in England is no exception. Devon and Cornwall are the two areas known for this speciality, with whole lobsters being roasted over an open fire.

The roasted meat is then served with a spicy chilli dressing that accentuates the natural sweetness of the lobster.

5. Portland Crab

Portland Crab is another popular shellfish catch that is found in England. This type of crab is considered a true delicacy, with its white meat and distinctive taste.

Portland Crab is harvested using traditional methods, which helps to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem in the area.

6. Poole Bay Clams

Poole Bay Clams are a unique product from the South West of England, with two types being the most popular: Venus and Palourde. As the name suggests, these clams are found in the Poole Bay area, and are known for their sweet flavour and tender texture.

Poole Bay Clams are a favourite ingredient in pasta dishes and other seafood delicacies.

7. Morecambe Bay Shrimps

Morecambe Bay Shrimps are considered a British delicacy and are caught in the eponymous bay in the North of England. These tiny shrimp have a sweet, nutty flavour that is unique to the area.

The traditional method of cooking the shrimps is to boil them in salted water before serving them with butter and bread. This is one shellfish catch that truly represents the taste of England.

8. Cley Next the Sea Mussels

Cley Next the Sea is a small village in North Norfolk, England, and its mussels are considered to be among the best in the country.

These mussels are harvested using traditional fishing techniques, which preserves the natural marine environment of the area. They are noted for their soft texture and delicate flavour, which makes them ideal for dishes such as moules marinières and other seafood delicacies.

9. Dublin Bay Prawns

Dubbed as the “King of Prawns,” Dublin Bay Prawns, also known as langoustines, are a popular delicacy in England. These prawns have a distinct sweet taste and are typically cooked in garlic butter or served cold as a seafood appetizer.

They are caught in the Irish Sea and are considered to be abundant and sustainable.

10. Scottish Scallops

Although technically not from England, Scottish scallops are popular in many gourmet restaurants all over England. These scallops are typically hand-dived, which makes them more sustainable and organic.

Scottish scallops are noted for delicate flavour; their meaty texture and provide a premium seafood experience, especially when served hot with butter.

Conclusion

England has been blessed with plentiful and diverse coastlines that offer some of the best shellfish catches in the world.

Whitby crabs, Fal oysters, Lyme Bay Scallops, and others are all examples of the types of shellfish that make the country one of the top seafood destinations. Be sure to add this list of top shellfish catches in England to your culinary bucket list.