Quick Facts
- Location: Great Gun oysters grow in Moriches Bay, Long Island, New York.
- Availability: These oysters are harvested year-round, every week of the year, ensuring consistent supply.
- Flavor Profile: Great Gun oyster’s taste varies based on their location within the farm and the season.
- Sustainable Practices: The farm grows kelp alongside oysters, potentially influencing the oyster’s flavor and promoting eco-friendly aquaculture.
- Traceability: Great Gun oysters develop in the same bags from planting to harvest. This creates a traceable flavor profile unique to their microenvironment.
What Are Great Gun Oysters?
Great Gun oysters are cultivated in the pristine waters of Moriches Bay on Long Island. They supply a one-of-a-kind taste experience. This taste delights seafood lovers. This exceptional flavor distinguishes them from other oyster varieties. It reflects the unique characteristics of their growing environment. Owner Paul McCormick is a true artisan of the sea. He meticulously studies the myriad elements of merroir on his farm. He unlocks the secrets of how these factors shape the oyster’s exquisite flavor profiles. Each bite is a journey through the rich, complex ecosystem that nurtures these culinary treasures.
What makes Great Gun oysters truly unique is their year-round availability. Unlike many oyster farms with seasonal harvests, Great Gun harvests its oysters every week. This ensures a consistent supply of fresh shellfish. This continuous harvesting process allows consumers to enjoy these oysters regardless of the season. It makes them a reliable choice for restaurants and seafood enthusiasts alike.
Another distinguishing factor of Great Gun oysters is their association with kelp cultivation. McCormick grows kelp alongside his oyster farm. This contributes to the distinct flavor notes sometimes detected in the oyster’s finish. This innovative approach to aquaculture not only enhances the oyster’s taste but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
How Did Great Gun Oysters Get Their Name?
Great Gun oysters derive their name from Great Gun Beach. This beach is located directly south of the farm along the Fire Island National Seashore. This name choice emphasizes the oyster’s strong connection to their Moriches Bay environment.
About Great Gun Shellfish Company
Paul McCormick is a visionary aquaculturist. He breathed life into Great Gun Shellfish Company in 2013. This transformation turned Moriches Bay, Long Island, into a thriving oyster haven. He changed his career and returned to the waters. This showcases his passionate commitment to reviving New York’s rich oyster heritage.
The company’s name draws inspiration from the nearby Great Gun Beach along the Fire Island National Seashore. It echoes the powerful flavors of its prized oysters. McCormick’s innovative approach to sustainable aquaculture produces exceptional oysters. It also contributes significantly to the health of local waters.
Great Gun Shellfish Company stands out with its year-round harvesting schedule, ensuring a steady supply of fresh oysters every week. The farm now nurtures around 700,000 oysters, with ambitious plans to triple its capacity to 3,000,000. McCormick’s ingenious floating farm design uses suitcase’s-style mesh bags. This design exposes one side to the sun for natural cleanliness. It is a testament to his commitment to quality and sustainability.
The company’s reputation for excellence has catapulted Great Gun oysters onto the menus of prestigious restaurants across the nation. Discerning chefs and oyster enthusiasts alike savor these Long Island delicacies. They enjoy them in the bustling streets of New York City. The glitz of Las Vegas and the glamour of Los Angeles also boast these oysters.
In a groundbreaking move, McCormick integrates kelp cultivation alongside his oysters. This pioneering practice enhances the farm’s sustainability. It also contributes to the unique flavor profile of Great Gun oysters. This sets them apart in the competitive world of premium shellfish.
Follow Them
Discover the unique taste of Great Gun oysters straight from Moriches Bay! Visit their official site to explore their story and order these briny delights directly from the source. Follow Great Gun Shellfish on social media for fresh updates, oyster tips, and a glimpse into sustainable aquaculture. Don’t miss out on these Long Island gems – your taste buds will thank you!
Great Gun Oysters Information
Oyster: Great Gun
Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster)
Cultivation Method: Farmed for 12 to 15 months on average.
Size: 3.0″ – 3.5″
Seasonality: Year-round
Culture Method: Off-bottom aquaculture in floating bags
Salinity: 30-34 pt
Appearance: well-formed, sturdy shells. They typically measure between 3.0″ to 3.5″ in size, with a deep cup that houses plump, meaty interiors. The oyster’s shells often show a mix of colors reflecting their environment in Moriches Bay, Long Island.
Flavor Profile: A sharp, briny punch that quickly mellows into a sweet, buttery taste and texture. The finish reveals delightful sweet garlic undertones that linger pleasantly on the palate.
If you like Great Gun Oysters, Check out these similar varieties
Location
Great Gun oysters are cultivated in Moriches Bay, Long Island, New York123. This location offers several environmental factors that support oyster growth and prosperity.
The farm’s proximity to Moriches Inlet provides a constant flow of water. This flow is abundantly rich in plankton and algae. These are essential food sources for oysters2. This nutrient-rich environment contributes to the oyster’s rapid growth. They can sometimes reach market size in as little as nine months. The usual time is 12 to 18 months2.
The bay’s connection to the Atlantic Ocean creates a dynamic ecosystem. This ecosystem benefits oyster cultivation. It provides higher salinity levels, contributing to the oyster’s distinctive flavor profile4.
The Farms Design
Paul McCormick’s floating farm design strategically places the oysters at the top of the water column. This is where food concentration is highest 2. The farm uses a ‘suitcase’-style design for the mesh bags. This design fully exposes one side to the sun, which keeps the bag surface clean2. This innovative approach, merged with the use of high-quality seed from Aeros Cultured Oyster Company, optimizes growth conditions2.
The farm’s location along the Fire Island National Seashore offers protection from extreme weather conditions. It still allows for enough water movement. This creates an ideal balance for oyster cultivation24. Additionally, the oysters contribute to the health of the local ecosystem by filtering the water.
At full capacity, Great Gun’s oyster population can filter up to 15 million gallons of water daily. They help to remove excess nitrogen. The nitrogen is converted into a safe byproduct24. This natural filtration system helps keep algae blooms in check. It promotes a healthier marine environment. This demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between the oyster farm and its surrounding ecosystem.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
- Fino Sherry “La Ina” by Lustau
This bone-dry sherry’s saline quality mirrors the oyster’s brininess, creating a harmonious pairing. Its nutty, yeasty notes contrast beautifully with the oyster’s sweet, buttery texture. The sherry’s crisp finish refreshes the palate between bites.
- Bowmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
The whiskey’s maritime character and subtle smokiness echo the oyster’s briny essence. Its peppery notes accentuate the oyster’s sharp start, while the underlying sweetness harmonizes with their buttery texture and garlic undertones.
- Crémant de Vouvray
This sparkling Chenin Blanc offers a bright pop of fresh fruit. It pairs well with the saltiness and brininess of oysters. The sweet fruity flavors complement the robust salty flavors of Great Gun oysters, creating a delightful contrast.
- Picpoul Blanc from Languedoc
This varietal retains bright acidity, fresh fruit notes, and a rocky, stony quality even in the warmth of Languedoc. These characteristics make it an excellent match for the complex flavors of Great Gun oysters.
- Blood Orange Radler
This low-ABV, refreshing cocktail’s sweet acidity from the blood orange complements the oyster’s briny start. The beer part adds light, bubbly refreshment that pairs well with the oyster’s buttery finish.
Where Can I Buy Great Gun Oysters?
- Great Gun Oysters Official Website: The company’s official website offers direct sales of their oysters. They are harvested fresh daily and shipped directly to your door.
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References
- “Great Gun Shellfish.” Long Island Oyster Growers Association, www.liogany.org/great-gun-shellfish. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
- Rattiner, Dan. “Paul McCormick And His Great Gun Shellfish Company Raise Oysters And Clean Moriches Bay.” 27east.com, 27 East, 27 Aug. 2018, www.27east.com/food-drinks/paul-mccormick-and-his-great-gun-shellfish-company-raise-oysters-and-clean-moriches-bay-1386780/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
- Betts, Aly. “Say ‘Shuck Yeah’ to These 4 Long Island Oyster Farms.” Edible Long Island, 1 July 2022, www.ediblelongisland.com/2022/07/01/4-long-island-oysters-farms-you-need-to-try/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
- Great Gun Oysters. “Great Gun Oysters | Long Island’s Premier Oyster Shipped Overnight.” Great Gun Oysters, greatgun.com. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.”
- Sourced: Great Gun Oysters.” FreshDirect, www.freshdirect.com/blog/sourced-great-gun-oysters/. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
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