Bekah’s Bay Oysters

Bekah’s Bay oysters are renowned for their unique flavor profile and pristine growing conditions. Born in a tidal bay near Cape Lookout, these oysters benefit from a perfect mix of salty ocean tides and the clean waters of the Outer Banks. This environment, free from large industrial farms and factories, ensures that Bekah’s Bay oysters have a signature salty and sweet flavor with a creamy texture, setting them apart from other varieties.

Rebekah’s Bay oysters are distinguished by a meticulous farming process. The founder, Rebekah Williams, uses sustainable aquaculture methods. These methods include utilizing mesh bags and frequent tumbling for optimal growth and quality. The oysters undergo a labor-intensive process. They are constantly monitored by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. This ensures that they are of the highest quality and free from contaminants.

Bekah’s Bay oysters are available in two sizes: “petite” and “choice,” catering to different culinary preferences. Their consistent supply of ocean water and the use of triploid oysters, which do not spawn, allow for year-round harvesting. This ensures that Bekah’s Bay oysters maintain their superior taste and texture throughout the year. As a result, they have become a sought-after delicacy in various fine dining establishments across the Carolinas.

How Did Bekah’s Bay Oysters Get Their Name?

Bekah’s Bay oysters derive their name from Rebekah Williams, the founder of the oyster farm. As a child, Rebekah developed a passion for the water and gained experience in oyster farming by spending time on her grandfather’s 10-acre oyster farm. This early exposure to the industry laid the foundation for her future endeavors.

About Bekah’s Bay Oyster Company

Bekah’s Bay Oyster Company was founded by Rebekah Williams, whose passion for oyster farming began in her childhood. Rebekah spent her early years clamming and gathering oysters. This experience sparked her interest in the industry. After returning from college, she worked at a restaurant called Sammy’s. Sammy Boyd, the owner, also had an oyster garden. With his extensive fishing industry background, Boyd encouraged Rebekah to pursue her dream of starting her oyster farm.

In 2016, Rebekah officially obtained a lease from the state of North Carolina, marking the beginning of Bekah’s Bay Oyster Company. She started by purchasing seed oysters, which are tiny oysters raised from larval stages. In 2017, she sent her first batch of fully grown oysters to Southern Salt, one of Sammy Boyd’s local restaurants in Morehead City, NC. This initial success allowed her to expand her business, and she now supplies oysters to restaurants across the Carolinas.

Bekah’s Bay Oyster Company is known for its sustainable farming practices and high-quality oysters. The oysters are grown in mesh bags in a tidal bay near Cape Lookout, benefiting from a constant clean, salty ocean water supply. The farm is free from large industrial farms or factories, ensuring a pristine environment. The use of triploid oysters, which do not spawn, allows for year-round harvesting. The company offers two sizes of oysters: “petite” and “choice,” catering to different culinary preferences. Rebekah’s commitment to quality and sustainability continues to drive the success and reputation of Bekah’s Bay Oyster Company.

Bekah’s Bay Oysters Information

Oyster: Bekah’s Bay

Species: Crassostrea virginica

Cultivation Method: Aquaculture using mesh bags suspended in the water

Seasonality: Available year-round due to the use of triploid oysters that do not spawn

Size: Offered in two sizes – “petite” (2.5-3 inches) and “choice” (larger than 3 inches)

Culture Method: Growth occurs in mesh bags that frequently tumble to promote optimal shape and cup depth. Workers split the bags and grade the oysters by size as they grow.

Salinity: 30-35 ppt

Appearance:  Deep cups with plump, creamy meat. They are known for their large size, particularly the “choice” oysters, larger than 3 inches. The oysters’ shells are robust, reflecting their growth in the nutrient-rich, high-salinity waters near Cape Lookout.

Flavor Profile: Signature salty and sweet flavor with a creamy texture, attributed to the pristine growing environment near Cape Lookout, North Carolina. They are refreshing, with a taste reminiscent of the sea.

Location

Bekah’s Bay cultivates its oysters in the pristine waters near Cape Lookout, North Carolina.

This location offers several environmental factors that benefit oyster growth and prosperity. The waters around Cape Lookout have a high salinity level, typically ranging from 30 to 35 parts per thousand (ppt), which is ideal for oyster development. This high salinity contributes to the oysters’ signature salty flavor and helps maintain a clean and healthy growing environment.

The tidal Bay near Cape Lookout provides a constant flow of nutrient-rich ocean water, which is crucial for the oysters’ growth. The area is free from large industrial farms and factories, ensuring the water remains unpolluted and rich in natural nutrients. This clean environment allows the oysters to filter and feed efficiently, promoting their health and quality.

The surrounding forests and marshes also contribute to the nutrient base, further enhancing the oysters’ growth conditions. Another significant factor is the use of triploid oysters, which do not spawn. This characteristic allows for year-round harvesting, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality oysters regardless of the season.

The combination of high salinity, clean and nutrient-rich waters makes the location near Cape Lookout exceptionally beneficial for oyster growth. Sustainable farming practices are also in place. These factors contribute to the unique flavor profile and high quality of Bekah’s Bay oysters. As a result, they have become a sought-after delicacy in the Carolinas and beyond.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Suze Tonic – The Suze Tonic, featuring the French apéritif Suze. This cocktail is light, bubbly, and has a perfect dash of herbal bitterness. This drink’s refreshing and slightly bitter taste enhances the fresh, salty flavor of the oysters. Therefore, it is an excellent match for their briny profile.
2. Blood Orange Radler – A Blood Orange Radler combines beer with blood orange juice, offering a low ABV and refreshing drink. The sweet acidity of the blood orange complements the sweet, salty flavor of the oysters. On the other hand, the beer adds a light and bubbly refreshment, perfect for a sunny day.
3. Feta-Brine Martini – A Feta-Brine Martini consists of feta-brine garnished with feta-stuffed olives. This cocktail provides a crisp and tangy flavor that pairs well with the saltiness of freshly shucked oysters. The savory notes from the feta add a layer of complexity to the pairing.
4. Txakolina (Hondarrabi Zuri Blanc) – Txakolina is a wine from Spain’s Basque region. This wine has an explosive, fresh fragrance and delicate, fun, and frivolous nature. The wine’s light body and high acidity accentuate the oysters’ briny and creamy flavor. As a result, it is a delightful and refreshing pairing.
5. Zingy Michelada With Celery Salt – The hot sauce and lime juice flavors of a Michelada pair well with oysters. This refreshing and summery drink enhances the salty and creamy texture of the oysters, providing a zesty and refreshing pairing.

Where Can I Buy Bekah’s Bay Oysters?

1. Bekah’s Bay Oysters Official Website – You can order directly from their website. Pick up your order at Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant. The restaurant is at 701 Evans Street, Morehead City, NC 28557.
2. Southern Salt Seafood Company and Waterfront Restaurant – If you don’t want to buy an entire bag. You can always get a few oysters at the restaurant. Stop in for a few !