Black Pearls Oysters

Jeff Wren, a former oyster farmer from Alligator Harbor, cultivates Eastern Oysters known as Black Pearls. Despite initial challenges, the farm has obtained a submerged land lease for oyster farming. The farm is focused on environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. They work with students to deploy oysters in Apalachicola Bay and promote oyster habitat restoration. Chef Bill Briand is an advocate for oyster farming. He believes that sustainable practices have improved the quality of oysters and increased market demand.

Chef Bill Briand, an advocate for oyster farming, has praised the evolution of oyster farming in the Southern Atlantic and Gulf regions, emphasizing its role in supporting local farmers and the environment. He has expressed confidence in the sustainability of the oyster industry. He noted the increasing demand for oysters and the positive impact of oysters in the water. Briand’s restaurant, Fisher’s, serves oysters from a rotating list of Southern farms. This reflects the growing popularity and quality of oysters from the region.

About Rattlesnake Cove Oyster Company

Owner and founder Jeff Wren leads Rattlesnake Cove Oyster Company. The company is actively involved in oyster farming, habitat restoration, and education initiatives in Apalachicola, Florida. Rattlesnake Cove Oyster Co. has played a key role in training students in oyster aquaculture. The Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast-OysterCorps, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory have made this collaboration possible through their efforts. Together, they have achieved great success.

Outlaw Oyster Co processes Rattlesnake Cove’s oysters. Evans Meats & Seafood in Birmingham purchases the oysters, showcasing the company’s success and increasing demand for the product. The company’s efforts have contributed to expanding oyster farming in the region, focusing on sustainable practices and environmental impact.

You can reach Rattlesnake Cove Oyster Company on Facebook or Linkedin.

Black Pearls Oysters Information

Name: Black Pearls

Species: Crassostrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: Farmed

Culture Method: Floating Oyster Beds

Seasonality: Year Round

Size: 4-5″

Salinity: 25-28 ppt

Appearance: 2-inch deep cup, oval-shaped brown and pink coloration with trademark black stripe.

Flavor Profile: high salinity brackish brine buttery undertones with a seagrass minerality finish

Location

The Rattlesnake Cove Oyster Co. is located in Apalachicola, Florida, in the waters off St. George Island, part of the Apalachicola Bay region.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The bright acidity and effervescence of Champagne or sparkling wine can complement the briny and buttery notes of the oyster, while the minerality can resonate with the seagrass minerality finish.
2. Fino Sherry: Fino Sherry, a dry and light style of Sherry, can be an excellent pairing due to its saline character and nutty undertones, which can harmonize with the oyster’s salinity and buttery notes.
3. Gin and Tonic: A simple gin and tonic can be a refreshing and complementary choice, especially if the oysters are served with a flavorful dipping sauce. The crispness of the gin and the tonic can contrast the oyster’s brininess and buttery texture.
4. Sancerre or Chablis: A crisp and mineral-driven Sancerre or Chablis can complement the oyster’s briny and mineral notes. At the same time, the wine’s acidity can cut through the buttery texture, creating a harmonious balance.
5. Vodka Martini: A vodka martini’s clean and neutral character, garnished with a twist of lemon or a few briny caperberries, can provide a simple and elegant pairing that allows the oyster’s natural flavors to shine.
6. Craft Lager or Pilsner: A cold, well-carbonated craft lager or pilsner can be a refreshing and versatile pairing, cleansing the palate between oysters and offering a light, malty sweetness that complements the brininess.

Where Can I Buy Black Pearl Oysters?

1. Outlaw Oyster Company – Outlaw Oyster Company is a Panacea, Florida-based oyster farming company specializing in selling fresh, salty oysters wholesale and retail.
2. Evans Meat & Seafood – Evans Meats is a family-owned company based in Birmingham, Alabama, committed to quality meat and seafood production and distribution since 1998.