New team, new oysters

Happy Friday! I wanted to end the week by introducing myself, as I’m a new addition to this incredible farm! My name is Brittani, and I’ve been an Sneads Ferry local for 9 years now. I was born and raised in California, but fell in love with the beautiful beaches NC has to offer. I’ve been a fan of seafood all of my life, so I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to get to work on Soundside Oyster Co.’s farm! This is such an exciting venture for me and we have so many things in store… you CAN’T miss what’s coming!

We are starting FRESH! New team, new oysters, and a new standard. We have new spat thriving & growing with a dedicated team of farmers committed to raising the best oysters NC can offer. Learning from past mistakes and experiments, we are more than confident that we are going to have one sHell of a product. Get your shuckers ready!

We wish you all a happy & safe weekend! Go eat some oysters!

Crassotrea Virginica - A Local Delicacy!

Coastal North Carolina is the perfect home to a wide variety of marine life, and one of the most iconic is the Eastern Oyster, also known as Crassotrea virginica. This unique variety of bivalves holds a special place in North Carolina’s culinary and ecological landscape.

The Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica is a species that is native to both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. This oyster specifically thrives in the brackish waters of our local estuaries and sounds, they are renowned for their distinctive flavor and indulgent texture. This oyster species is a staple of coastal Carolina cuisine for centuries and is sought after by seafood connoisseurs and chefs. These oysters typically develop a deep “cupped” appearance and make for a decadent treat.

One thing that really identifies Crassostrea virgnica is the fact that it’s remarkably adaptable to a wide variety of environmental conditions. This North Carolina oyster thrives from the salty Outer Banks waters to the nutrient-rich estuaries of Pamlico Sound. These bivalves are extremely resilient and thrive in a diverse habitat along North Carolina’s coastline.

While these oysters are extremely delicious they also play a large part in benefitting the overall health of coastal ecosystems. Since oysters are filter feeders they help improve the water quality by feeding on algae and other organic materials. Oyster farms and reefs also provide a great and safe habitat for other marine species like fish.

Oyster cultivation has been a large part of coastal North Carolina communities for decades. Aquaculture has provided sustenance and increased job availability for many individuals. 

The Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, acts like a symbol of sustainability and culinary excellences in North Carolina. They can be enjoyed on the half-shell, grilled, or prepared as part of a gourmet dish.

Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Oysters

We might be a little biased, but we think oysters are some of the most amazing animals in the world. They have an extremely unique biology,a rich cultural history, and are so incredibly beneficial to the environment. Here are some amazing facts that you probably didn’t know about oysters.

1. Oyster Filters: Did you know that oysters are hard at work daily filtering up to 50 gallons of water? They play a vital role in helping to maintain water quality and overall ecosystem health.

2. A Delicacy: Oysters have been enjoyed as a delicacy for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence that suggests humans have been eating oysters since at least 164,00 years ago. This historical data makes them one of the oldest known foods to be enjoyed by our ancestors.

3. Pearls: While not every oyster produces pearls, those that do go through a process of irritation and calcification. Cultured pearls are formed with human intervention and have been created since the late 19th century. 

4. Pint-Sized Environmental Protectors: Oyster reefs can provide a safe habitat for a wide variety of marine life like fish, crabs, and other shellfish. By raising awareness to protect and restore oyster habitats, we can help support biodiversity and promote healthy thriving coastal ecosystems. 

5. Nutritional Powerhouse: Oysters are as delicious as they are loaded with nutrients. They are a wonderful source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that make them a great addition to any diet.

6. Oyster Farming: Oyster farming can also be referred to as aquaculture, has been practiced for centuries. Today we use sustainable oyster farming methods to help meet the growing demand for our bivalves while being mindful and minimizing environmental impact.

7. Variety: There are hundreds of varieties of oysters from all around the world. Regionally you may find a select few near you that you can enjoy. Each oyster has its own unique flavor profile and visual characteristics. You’ll find flavors that are briny, salty, and even sweet or buttery! There’s an oyster for every palate, and we think they’re all amazing.

8. Oyster Etiquette: Did you know there’s a proper way to eat an oyster? Traditionally you’ll see many people enjoy raw oysters with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of a mignonette sauce. It’s highly recommended to taste a bit of the liquor before you enjoy the oyster to experience its full range of flavors and textures.

9. Oyster Lore: Oysters have been the inspiration for many myths, legends, and superstitions throughout history. In medieval Europe, they were associated with being wealthy and prosperous.

Oysters are so much more than meets the eye, they are environmental heroes and prestigious culinary delights. As we continue to cultivate and grow these remarkable creatures, we understand the responsibility we have to ensure the long-term health and viability of oyster populations. By supporting sustainable oyster farming practices at Soundside Oyster Company, we are always advocating for ocean conservation so that people can enjoy these incredible bivalves for generations to come.

Click here to contact us to place an order.