Quick Facts
- Eagle Point Oysters are farmed in the Mississippi Sound, near Deer Island, Mississippi.
- They are known for their deep-cupped shells and sweet, buttery flavor profile.
- These oysters are cultivated using sustainable aquaculture techniques, including floating reefs and daily tumbling.
- They are available for purchase directly from the farm at Ocean Springs Harbor on Fridays.
What Are Eagle Point Oysters?
Eagle Point Oysters are a premium variety of farmed oysters grown in the nutrient-rich waters of the Mississippi Sound. These oysters stand out for their unique flavor profile, which balances sweetness, brininess, and subtle floral notes. Their cultivation reflects a commitment to sustainability and quality, making them a favorite among oyster enthusiasts.
Unlike many other oysters, Eagle Point Oysters are carefully managed throughout their growth cycle. Farmers use innovative aquaculture techniques to ensure consistent shell shape and flavor development. This hands-on approach results in a product that is both visually appealing and delicious.
The Mississippi Sound provides an ideal environment for cultivating these oysters. Its mix of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico creates a brackish habitat that enhances their distinct taste and texture.
How Did Eagle Point Oysters Get Their Name?
Eagle Point Oysters derive their name from the location where they are cultivated—Eagle Point, near Deer Island in the Mississippi Sound. This area has a rich history tied to seafood production and was once regarded as the “seafood capital of the world.”
The name reflects both the geographical heritage and the company’s dedication to restoring Mississippi’s oyster industry. After environmental challenges like hurricanes and oil spills devastated local oyster populations, Eagle Point Oyster Company emerged as a beacon of hope for rebuilding this vital fishery.By naming their product after this iconic location, the company honors its roots while emphasizing its mission to revive the region’s historic oyster trade.
About Eagle Point Oyster Company
Eagle Point Oyster Company breathes new life into Mississippi’s historic oyster industry. Founded by a group of passionate friends, the company cultivates its prized oysters in the nutrient-rich waters of the Mississippi Sound near Deer Island. Their mission goes beyond business – they aim to restore the region’s once-thriving seafood heritage .
Co-owner Bradley Deleon leads the charge in daily operations. His hands-on approach and advocacy for sustainable practices set the tone for the entire operation. The company employs innovative aquaculture techniques, including floating reefs that house nearly a million oysters at various growth stages .These floating reefs create a unique ecosystem. Suspended just below the water’s surface, they allow optimal water flow and sunlight exposure. This method enhances the oysters’ flavor profile while promoting healthy growth. The farmers meticulously tend to their crop, employing a daily tumbling process that results in the signature deep-cupped shells.
Community engagement stands at the heart of Eagle Point’s philosophy. Every Friday afternoon, locals flock to Ocean Springs Harbor for the company’s direct sales. This practice not only ensures the freshest oysters for customers but also strengthens the bond between the farm and the community it serves .
The farm’s success story represents a beacon of hope for the Gulf Coast’s seafood industry. After years of environmental setbacks, including devastating hurricanes and oil spills, Eagle Point Oyster Company proves that sustainable aquaculture can pave the way for economic revival and ecological restoration .
Follow Them
Visit Eagle Point Oyster Company’s official website to explore the incredible story behind these Mississippi Sound oysters!
Don’t miss out on their Friday afternoon sales at Ocean Springs Harbor – your taste buds will thank you! Click, follow, and discover the delicious world of Eagle Point Oysters today!
Eagle Point Oysters Information
Oyster: Eagle Point
Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern Oyster )
Cultivation Method: Farmed; grow-out period typically ranges from 12-18 months
Size: 2-4 inches
Seasonality: Year-round availability
Culture Method: Floating reefs with daily tumbling to ensure deep cups
Salinity: 15-25 ppt (typical salinity of Mississippi Sound)
Appearance: Eagle Point Oysters feature deep-cupped shells with smooth edges. Their shells have a natural grayish hue with some light streaks.
Flavor Profile: These oysters deliver a sweet, buttery taste with bright briny undertones. They also have subtle hints of sweet cream and lavender honeysuckle.
If you like Eagle Point Oysters, then check out these similar varieties!
Location
Eagle Point Oyster Company cultivates their oysters in the Mississippi Sound near Deer Island, off the coast of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
This location provides ideal conditions for oyster growth due to its unique environmental characteristics. The Mississippi Sound sits at the intersection of freshwater rivers and the saltwater Gulf of Mexico, creating a nutrient-rich brackish environment .
The moderate salinity levels in the Mississippi Sound, typically ranging from 15-25 ppt, enhance the oysters’ flavor profile. This balance of fresh and salt water contributes to the sweet and briny taste that Eagle Point Oysters are known for. The relatively shallow waters also allow for optimal sunlight penetration, fostering algae growth – a primary food source for oysters .
Mississippi’s warm climate ensures year-round oyster farming opportunities. The consistent water temperatures promote steady growth rates while minimizing seasonal disruptions common in colder regions. This environment allows Eagle Point Oyster Company to maintain a consistent supply of high-quality oysters throughout the year .
The nutrient-rich waters of the Mississippi Sound support healthy oyster development by providing ample food sources like plankton. This natural abundance of nutrients contributes to the oysters’ robust flavor and optimal growth. The location’s ecological diversity also plays a role in creating the unique taste profile that sets Eagle Point Oysters apart from other varieties .
Suggested Beverage Pairings
- Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
This crisp white wine’s vibrant acidity and citrus notes complement the sweet and buttery flavors of Eagle Point Oysters. Its bright profile enhances the oysters’ briny undertones without overpowering their delicate taste.
- Château Minuty M Rosé (France)
The dry, light-bodied nature of this Provençal rosé pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of Eagle Point Oysters. Its subtle fruit notes and mineral finish bring out the floral hints in the oysters while balancing their sweetness.
- Allagash White (Maine, USA)
This Belgian-style wheat beer’s light body and citrusy flavors match well with the buttery texture of Eagle Point Oysters. Its subtle spice notes and effervescence add an interesting contrast to the oysters’ sweetness and brininess.
- Ketel One Vodka Martini
A classic martini made with Ketel One vodka highlights the oysters’ creamy finish without overpowering their delicate flavors. The vodka’s smoothness and clean taste allow the subtle nuances of the oysters to shine through.
- Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne (France)
This champagne’s fine bubbles and balanced acidity cleanse the palate between bites of Eagle Point Oysters. Its toasty notes complement the oysters’ sweet cream hints, while the effervescence enhances the overall tasting experience.
Where Can I Buy Eagle Point Oysters?
- Eagle Point Oyster Company – Purchase directly from the farm at Ocean Springs Harbor every Friday afternoon. Fresh oysters are sold by the dozen or half-dozen, offering customers the freshest possible product straight from the source.
References
- Deleon, Bradley. Personal interview on sustainable aquaculture practices at Eagle Point Oyster Company.
- “Mississippi Sound Ecosystem.” Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi.
- “Oyster Farming Techniques.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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