Bigger Butter Oysters stand apart from their counterparts due to their exceptional size and remarkable flavor profile. These oysters, native to the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest, can reach an impressive 6 inches or more in length, dwarfing the typical 2 to 4 inch range of most oysters. Their substantial size not only makes them visually striking but also contributes to their distinct texture.
The plump, meaty flesh of Bigger Butter Oysters offers a luxurious mouthfeel that is both tender and succulent. This characteristic, combined with their rich, creamy taste and a delightful buttery finish, makes them a true delicacy. Their unique flavor results from the nutrient-rich waters they thrive in, influenced by the region’s diverse ecosystem.
Beyond their excellent taste and size, Beyond their exceptional flavor and size, Bigger Butter Oysters are also esteemed for their sustainability. Environmentally friendly methods cultivate them, enhancing the local ecosystem’s health and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality oysters for generations.
What is the difference between Bigger Butters and Murder Points?
Bigger Butter oysters are essentially larger versions of the popular Murder Point oysters. They are both farmed by the Zirlott family at Murder Point Oyster Co. in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. The key differences are:
- Size: Bigger Butter oysters can reach up to 6 inches in length. On the other hand, regular Murder Point oysters are around 2.5-2.75 inches.
- Flavor: Both have a rich, creamy, buttery taste. Contrarily, the Bigger Butter oysters may have an even more pronounced buttery flavor due to their larger size.
- Texture: The plump, meaty flesh of the Bigger Butter oysters offers an extra luxurious and succulent mouthfeel compared to the regular Murder Points.
The Bigger Butter is the “big brother” to the Murder Point. It is raised with the same careful farming methods and passion by the Zirlott family. It is allowed to grow larger to provide an amplified buttery flavor and texture experience.
About Murder Point Oyster Company
The family-owned Murder Point Oyster Company, based in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, dedicates itself to crafting the finest oysters with a distinctive buttery flavor known as “butter love.” The company has been working the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico for five generations, transitioning from traditional fishing and shrimping to specializing in oyster farming. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has made Murder Point Oysters a sought-after delicacy in the culinary world.
The name “Murder Point” originates from a historical event in 1927, where a dispute over an oyster lease led to a fatal shooting at Myrtle Point, which has since been known as Murder Point. This intriguing backstory adds a layer of local folklore to the brand, encapsulated in their slogan, “Oysters worth killing for”.
Murder Point Oysters are raised using the off-bottom method borrowed from Australia. This method involves suspending juvenile oysters in baskets above the seafloor. It promotes cleaner shells and plumper meat by preventing the oysters from sitting in mud. Additionally, this method allows for better control over their growth environment. The oysters are known for their creamy, buttery taste, which sets them apart from other Gulf oysters.
The Zirlott family, who runs Murder Point Oyster Company, is deeply passionate about their craft. “They view oyster farming as an act of love and stewardship towards the environment. They ensure that their farming practices are sustainable and contribute positively to the local ecosystem. Their efforts have produced a premium oyster. They have also fostered community and pride in Alabama’s burgeoning oyster farming industry.”
Murder Point Oysters have gained popularity among chefs and food enthusiasts, featured in fine dining establishments and seafood expos. The company’s dedication to quality has positioned Murder Point Oyster Company as a leading figure in the American oyster farming scene. Additionally, its unique story and sustainable practices contribute to its strong reputation.
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Bigger Butter Oysters Information
Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster)
Cultivation Method: Farmed by the Zirlott family at Murder Point Oyster Co. in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. They control the entire process from hatchery to harvest, making them one of the few vertically integrated oyster farms. This process takes 12 to 16 months.
Seasonality: Available year-round, peak season typically in the fall and winter.
Size: Bigger Butter Oysters can reach an impressive 6 inches or more. This is significantly larger than most oysters’ typical 2-4 inch range.
Culture Method: An off-bottom longline system adapted from Australian methods. The baskets suspend the oysters above the seafloor, allowing better control over their growth environment.
Salinity: 23-28 ppt
Appearance: Plump, meaty flesh with a deep cup shape to hold the oyster’s liquor.
Flavor Profile: Rich, creamy, buttery taste with a distinct saltiness.
Location
The Zirlott family cultivates bigger Butter oysters at Murder Point Oyster Co. in Bayou La Batre, Alabama.
The waters off the coast of Alabama are particularly around Bayou La Batre. They provide ideal conditions for oyster farming and growth. This is due to several key factors. The mixture of fresh and saltwater in the bays and estuaries creates the perfect salinity range for oysters to thrive. Oysters require a specific brackish environment. The influx of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico creates this ideal balance.
The coastal waters are also rich in nutrients from rivers like the Mobile and Tensaw Rivers. These nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, provide the essential food source for oysters to filter and grow. The protected bays and estuaries provide sheltered environments. Examples include Portersville Bay, Grand Bay, and the Mississippi Sound. These environments protect the oysters from harsh open ocean conditions. They also allow for good water circulation.
The warm Gulf Coast climate allows for year-round oyster farming and growth. This is unlike colder northern regions where oyster growth slows or stops during winter. The diverse coastal ecosystem, including marshes, seagrass beds, and barrier islands, contributes to the overall health and productivity of the oyster grounds. A combination of factors has made the Alabama Gulf Coast region. In particular, Bayou La Batre is an ideal location for both wild oyster harvesting and the development of sustainable oyster farming operations like Murder Point Oyster Co.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
- Allagash White (Beer) – This Belgian-style wheat beer, has a light, citrusy flavor and subtle spice notes. It offers a crisp and refreshing profile that complements the creamy texture of Bigger Butter oysters. Therefore enhancing their buttery richness without overpowering their delicate flavors.
- Muscadet Sèvre et Maine (Wine) – Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is a classic oyster wine with high acidity and mineral notes. Its crisp, clean finish and slight salinity perfectly balance Bigger Butter oysters’ rich, creamy taste. As a result, each bite and sip is a harmonious experience.
- Hendrick’s Gin Martini (Cocktail) – A Hendrick’s Gin Martini has subtle cucumber and floral notes. These flavors pair beautifully with the buttery flavor of the oysters. The gin’s botanical complexity and the martini’s crispness cut through the richness of the oysters.
- Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne (Wine) – Offering a yeasty, bready flavor with fine bubbles, Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy oysters. The champagne’s acidity and effervescence cleanse the palate, allowing the oyster’s buttery notes to shine through with each sip.
- Paloma (Cocktail) – Made with tequila, grapefruit juice, and a touch of salt, a Paloma pairs exceptionally well with the creamy, buttery oysters. The bright, citrusy flavors of the grapefruit and the light, refreshing nature of the cocktail enhance the oysters’ richness.
Where Can I Buy bigger Butter Oysters?
Murder Point Oyster Co – Murder Point Oyster Co. offers their signature Bigger Butter oysters, known for their rich, creamy, buttery flavor. They are farmed sustainably in the nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
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