Blackberry Oysters

Quick Facts

1. Farmed in Little Wicomico River, Virginia – Blackberry Oysters are cultivated in nutrient-rich waters with a salinity of about 18-22 ppt.
2. Flavor Profile – These oysters are renowned for their sweet and buttery taste, with a clean briny finish.
3. Appearance – They have a deep-cupped shell with a smooth, polished look and a hint of dark, blackberry-like coloring.
4. Seasonality – Available year-round, ensuring consistent freshness for oyster enthusiasts.
5. Ideal Pairings – Pair perfectly with crisp white wines or light beers to enhance their delicate flavors.

What Are Blackberry Oysters?

Blackberry oysters offer a unique culinary experience that sets them apart from other varieties. These oysters are raised in bottom cages inshore of Blackberry Hang Oyster Reef in the Chesapeake Bay. They are available year-round. This availability ensures a consistent supply for oyster enthusiasts 2.

These oysters boast medium-sized shells with a beautiful appearance, making them visually appealing on the plate. Their flavor profile showcases a lovely taste with mild salinity. This strikes a perfect balance that appeals to a wide range of palates. This combination of aesthetics and flavor makes Blackberry oysters a standout choice for both raw consumption and culinary preparations.

The quality and freshness of Blackberry oysters have garnered high praise from customers. Many report that the oysters arrive in excellent condition. Sturdy packaging and effective ice packs maintain their freshness during shipping 2.

The exceptional taste has led some customers to declare them the best oysters they’ve ever had. Descriptions range from “juicy” to tasting “just like the ocean”. This commitment to quality, from cultivation to delivery, solidifies Blackberry oysters’ reputation as a premium choice in the oyster market.

How Did Blackberry Oysters Get Their Name?

Blackberry Oysters derive their name from the local blackberry bushes that dot the shores of the Little Wicomico River. These berries are a hallmark of the region and symbolize the natural richness of the area.

The name reflects both the natural environment and the oyster’s sweet flavor profile. The branding also captures a sense of local pride, linking the oysters to a beloved local fruit. This connection helps them stand out in the competitive oyster market.

About Little Wicomico Oyster Company

Little Wicomico Oyster Company cultivates Blackberry® oysters. This family-owned business, based in Heathsville, Virginia, has been raising oysters in the Chesapeake Bay region since 1930 2. The Cockrell family has deep roots in the area, dating back to the 16th century. They have worked the Bay’s bounty for four generations 8.

The company specializes in the Eastern oyster, including their Blackberry® variety. They use sustainable methods to raise these oysters. The oysters grow in bottom cages inshore of Blackberry Hang Oyster Reef in the Chesapeake Bay 10. The Blackberry® oysters are available year-round and are known for their medium-sized shells, lovely taste, and mild salinity 10.

Little Wicomico Oyster Company operates with a strong commitment to sustainability and quality. They use the pristine waters of the Little Wicomico River. This river flows into the Chesapeake Bay. These waters are used to cultivate their oysters 8. The current owner and operator, Myles Cockrell, represents the fourth generation of the family business 2.

The company’s heritage is deeply intertwined with the local waterways. This includes Cockrell Creek, which flows into the Great Wicomico River 8. This connection to the land and water informs their approach to oyster farming, emphasizing sustainable practices and high-quality products 28.

Follow Them

Discover the taste of tradition and quality by exploring Little Wicomico Oyster Company’s offerings. Visit their official website to browse their selection of premium oysters, including the renowned Blackberry variety. 

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Blackberry Oysters Information

Oyster: Blackberry® Oysters
Species: Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Cultivation Method: Farmed for 12-18 months.
Size: 2.5–3″
Seasonality: Available year-round.
Culture Method: Raised inshore of Blackberry Hang Oyster Reef in the Chesapeake Bay.
Salinity: 18–22 ppt

Appearance: beautiful, medium-sized shells with deep cups. They often display a subtle greenish hue, adding to their visual appeal. These oysters are known for their consistent appearance, with plump, full meats that fill the shell.
Flavor Profile: Lovely taste with mild salinity, characterized by a clean, crisp flavor. The oysters offer a balance of sweetness and brininess. They create a complex taste experience that changes from the first bite to the finish.

If you like Blackberry Oysters, then check out these similar varieties!

• Chesapeake Bay Oysters
• Rappahannock Oysters
• Love Shuck Oysters
• Hollywood Oysters
• Sweet Jesus Oysters

Location

Little Wicomico Oyster Company cultivates Blackberry oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. They grow these oysters in bottom cages located inshore of Blackberry Hang Oyster Reef. This location, where the Little Wicomico River flows into the Chesapeake Bay, provides an ideal environment for oyster growth 13.

The Chesapeake Bay’s unique ecosystem offers several environmental factors that support oyster growth and prosperity. The bay’s shallow depth allows for water temperatures to correlate closely with seasonal air temperatures, ranging from 0°C to 29°C (32°F to 84°F) 2. This temperature range is suitable for the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), the species used for Blackberry® oysters. The bay’s salinity levels, influenced by freshwater runoff and tidal influx, create a brackish environment that oysters thrive in.

Nutrient-rich waters in the Chesapeake Bay contribute to the growth of phytoplankton. This phytoplankton serves as a primary food source for oysters 2. The bay’s ecosystem benefits from the oysters’ presence. They act as natural filters. Oysters remove excess nutrients and sediment from the water. This filtration process improves water clarity. It enhances quality. This creates a positive feedback loop. It further enhances conditions for oyster growth 4.

The bottom-culture method used for Blackberry® oysters takes advantage of the bay’s natural sediment composition and water flow. This cultivation technique allows the oysters to develop in an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat. This contributes to their distinctive flavor profile. It ensures consistent quality 15.

The combination of these environmental factors includes temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, and cultivation method. These factors make the Chesapeake Bay an exceptionally beneficial location. Specifically, the area near Blackberry Hang Oyster Reef supports oyster growth and prosperity.

Suggested beverage Pairings

1. Muscadet Sèvre et Maine – This crisp French white wine offers high acidity. It has minerality and citrus notes that complement the oysters’ mild salinity. Its light body and clean finish allow the delicate flavors of the Blackberry® oysters to shine through.

2. Allagash White – This Belgian-style wheat beer provides a refreshing contrast with its citrusy notes and subtle spiciness. The beer’s effervescence and light body cleanse the palate between oysters, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

3. Hendrick’s Gin Martini – The subtle cucumber notes in Hendrick’s Gin are a perfect match. They pair beautifully with the clean taste of Blackberry oysters. The gin’s botanical profile and the martini’s crispness create a sophisticated complement to the oysters’ mild flavor.

4. Clos Cibonne Rosé – This savory rosé from Provence provides a unique pairing. It offers notes of crushed oyster shell and salinity. Its acidity and mineral qualities enhance the oysters’ natural brininess while providing a contrasting fruity element.

5. Blanc de Blancs Champagne – The high acidity of a Blanc de Blancs Champagne offers a refreshing contrast. Its fine bubbles enhance this effect. A Champagne like Ruinart cuts through the richness of the oysters. Its crisp, citrusy profile and mineral undertones create a harmonious balance with the Blackberry® oysters’ mild salinity and clean finish.

Where Can I Buy Blackberry Oysters?

1. Little Wicomico Oyster Company – The original producer of Blackberry® oysters offers them directly through their website. They provide various quantity options. These include family feast (100 oysters), appetizer (25 oysters), for 2 (50 oysters), and party platter (200 oysters).
2. Best of Byward – This retailer offers Blackberry Point oysters individually priced
3. Dobbs Ferry Lobster Guys – They sell Blackberry oysters from the Chesapeake Bay in half-dozen or dozen quantities
4. Caudle’s Catch Seafood – While not specifically listing Blackberry oysters, they offer a variety of fresh oysters and seafood.

References

1. Little Wicomico Oyster Company. “Blackberry® Oysters.” LW Oysters, https://lwoysters.com/products/blackberry-oysters. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
2. Little Wicomico Oyster Company. “Blackberry® Reserve Oysters.” LW Oysters, https://lwoysters.com/products/blackberry-reserve-oysters. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
3. Best of Byward. “Blackberry.” Best of Byward, https://bestofbyward.com/products/blackberry. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
4. Dobbs Ferry Lobster Guys. “Oysters: Blackberry Oysters (Chesapeake Bay).” Dobbs Ferry Lobster Guys, https://www.dobbsferrylobsterguys.com/product/oysters-blackberry-oysters-chesapeake-bay-/48. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
5. Caudle’s Catch Seafood. “Home Page.” Caudle’s Catch Seafood, https://caudlescatchseafood.com. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.