Spéciale de Claire: a meatier oyster, a stricter follow-up

Spéciale de Claire is finished in a claire like Fine de Claire, but at a lower density. Fewer oysters per square metre means more food for each one, and more meat. That higher meat yield is what separates the two appellations. Size is measured separately: Spéciales de Claire come in every grade.

Spéciale de Claire or Fine de Claire?

• Fine de Claire: the base claire-finishing appellation.
• Spéciale de Claire: lower density, higher meat index.
• Both are spelled claire, with an e. "Spéciale de clair" is a common mistake.

Backing a Spéciale with measurements

During an inspection or with a demanding buyer, meat yield is what you will be asked for. OstraOS records it as a test in its own right: method, sample size, measured ratio. The measurement stays attached to the lot.

• Affinage opened with Spéciale de Claire as target quality and the claire's actual density.
• Automatic duration check when the affinage closes.
• A traced quality change if a lot planned as Spéciale ends up sold as Fine.
• A label showing the lot's exact quality.