Calm Cove Oysters

Calm Cove oysters are cultivated in the nutrient-rich waters of Hammersley Inlet in the South Puget Sound, Washington. These oysters begin their life in mesh grow-out bags and are later transferred to the beach to mature until harvest. Hammersley Inlet‘s quite nutrient-dense environment contributes to the production of plump oysters with a favorable meat-to-shell ratio.

The flavor profile of Calm Cove oysters is characterized by an initial mild salinity, followed by a somewhat sweet taste, and finishes with a fruity aftertaste. This combination of flavors makes them a distinctive choice among oyster varieties. They are known for their relatively plump meats and the hard shell associated with their intertidal growing technique.

Calm Cove oysters are available from August to May and are suitable for various cooking methods, including baking, frying, grilling, eating raw, sautéing, smoking, and steaming. Their scientific name is Crassostrea gigas, and they are grown about halfway up the west side of Washington’s Hood Canal, not far from the mouth of the Hama Hama River.

These oysters are beach-grown from the southern, less marine, more earthy end of Hood Canal. The thick shell characteristic of beach-grown oysters contributes to their robustness. The initial brine of Calm Cove oysters doesn’t linger but gives way to a high minerality and subtle cucumber notes, typical of the West Coast oyster profile.

About Calm Cove Shellfish LLC

The history of Calm Cove oysters intertwines with the broader narrative of oyster cultivation in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington State. This introduction responded to the dwindling stocks of native Olympia oysters, which had been a staple of the local oyster industry but were facing severe decline due to overharvesting and habitat loss.

Pacific oysters thrived in the new environment, growing rapidly and becoming a cornerstone of the local shellfish industry. Many of the oyster farms in the region, including those producing Calm Cove oysters, are family operations. These families often transitioned from logging to oyster farming, taking advantage of the opportunity to buy tidal lands and cultivate oysters. This shift provided a new livelihood for these families and contributed to the conservation and stewardship of the local marine environment.

Calm Cove oysters originate from the Hood Canal, not far from the Hama Hama River. This area has a reputation for clean, nutrient-rich waters, ideal for oyster cultivation. However, the journey of Calm Cove oysters and their Pacific counterparts has not been without challenges. The shellfish industry, including oyster farming, has faced difficulties due to environmental changes, market fluctuations, and, more recently, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the industry remains a vital part of the region’s economy and cultural heritage, with ongoing efforts to sustain and promote the growth of oysters like those from Calm Cove.

Calm Cove Oysters Information

Oyster: Calm Cove

Species: Crassostrea gigas

Cultivation Method: Farmed 18-24 months.

Seasonality: Available from August to May

Size: 2.5″

Culture Method: Calm Cove oysters start in mesh bags and later transferred to the beach, where they finish maturing.

Salinity: 22-28 ppt

Appearance: a hard, thick shell characteristic of beach-grown oysters. They have rounded shells that are a moderate size by comparison. These oysters also have a fantastic shell-to-meat ratio.

Flavor Profile: mildly salty start, followed by a somewhat sweet middle, and finishes with a fruity aftertaste. They have plump meats and a bright salinity that ends with a mild sweetness and a hint of cucumber.

Location

Calm Cove oysters originate from Hammersley Inlet in the South Puget Sound, Washington. They grow about halfway up the west side of Washington’s Hood Canal, not far from the mouth of the Hama Hama River.

Hammersley Inlet in South Puget Sound, Washington, provides an exceptional environment for cultivating oysters. This is due to its nutrient-rich waters that foster a plentiful supply of phytoplankton, the primary food source for oysters. The inlet’s salinity levels are optimal for Pacific oysters, contributing to their growth and flavor development.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Allagash Tripel – This golden ale brandishes complexity, with notes of honey, herbs, and passion fruit. Combining oysters and Allagash Tripel creates a harmonious blend of salt and sweetness. This blend unfolds across the palate, complementing the savory brine of Northeastern oysters.
2. Belhaven Scottish Stout – The rich, dark flavors of this stout. From roasted malt to chocolate and coffee, are a great contrast to the briny taste of oysters. The salinity of the oysters helps to bring out the stout’s deep flavors, making for a bold and satisfying pairing.
3. Sauvignon Blanc – A light, crisp wine with high acidity. A Sauvignon Blanc often features citrus flavor profiles that make it an excellent match for fresh oysters. The wine’s acidity and citrus notes can enhance the oysters’ natural flavors, providing a refreshing and zesty pairing.
4. Fino Sherry – This is a dry and light-bodied wine. Fino Sherry pairs well with oysters due to its subtle nutty flavors and consistency. This coastal wine complements the salt brine and earthy tones of oysters, highlighting their fresh, oceanic taste.
5. Dupont Saison – This saison’s barnyard nose and fruity spiciness offer a sweeter aftertaste to mineral-rich West Coast oysters. The beer’s pepper and spice can also replace the need for additional hot sauce, providing a unique and flavorful pairing.

Where Can I Buy Calm Cove Oysters?

1. Euro USA: Euro USA is an importer and distributor of specialty foods, fresh seafood, and premium meats. It offers 2.5-inch Calm Cove oysters.
2. Seafoods of the World: This Billings, MT-based vendor provides Fresh Calm Cove oysters. They also provide suggested cooking methods of grilling, baking, broiling, or frying.