Hama Hama oysters are a unique and sought-after variety known for their distinct flavor and texture. Originating from the Hama Hama River in Washington state, these oysters thrive in the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific Northwest.
One key feature that sets Hama Hama oysters apart is their deep, cupped shell. This unique shape enables them to preserve more of their natural liquor, which gives them a full and juicy texture bursting with briny, oceanic flavors. The cool climate and strong tidal currents of the Hama Hama region contribute to the oysters’ firm and creamy consistency and delicate and sweet taste.
Another factor that makes Hama Hama oysters unique is their sustainable farming practices. The Hama Hama Company, cultivating these oysters for over a century, employs eco-friendly techniques that minimize the impact on the local ecosystem. This commitment to sustainability has earned Hama Hama oysters a reputation as a responsible and environmentally conscious choice for oyster enthusiasts.
The Name “Hama Hama”
The Hama Hama River, where the company’s oysters are cultivated, is the source of the name. The two arched concrete bridges that span the river’s two branches as it empties into the Hood Canal are iconic landmarks that inspired the company’s logo. The bridges, constructed in the 1920s, are described as “functional and incredibly beautiful, and they symbolize connection.” This idea of connection – connecting people to each other, to the land, and to the food they eat – is central to the Hama Hama Oyster Company’s philosophy and values.
The name “Hama Hama” has a double meaning. Firstly, it refers to the company’s geographic origins. Secondly, it represents the bridges that have physically and symbolically connected the region for nearly a century. Furthermore, the name speaks to Hama Hama’s deep roots in the local community and environment. The company is committed to sustainable practices that preserve these connections for future generations. “Hama Hama” represents the company’s commitment to its roots, environment, and community.
About Hama Hama Oyster Company
The Hama Hama Oyster Company has a rich and storied history spanning over a century:
The company’s origins date back to the 1890s. Daniel Miller Robbins purchased land along the Hood Canal in Washington state to harvest timber. Initially, the company focused on logging. However, Robbins’ grandson Bart Robbins later branched into the oyster and clam farming business in the 1950s.
The Hama Hama Company has been in operation for over a century. It is a fifth-generation, family-owned business that cultivates world-class oysters. The company uses sustainable and low-impact farming methods. They grow two primary oyster varieties, the classic, beach-grown Hama Hamas and the tumble-farmed Blue Pools. Additionally, they source oysters from other locations in Washington. Over the decades, the company has intentionally shaped its traditions and deepened its relationship with land, water, and sustainability.
Hama Hama employs nearly 40 people. Many of whom have worked there for decades. The company sells its oysters directly to consumers and chefs and through its own farm store and oyster saloon. The Hama Hama Oyster Company is both a community and a business. It reflects values rooted in family, appreciation for the natural environment, commitment to sustainability, and love of the bountiful Salish Sea.
Check out Hama Hama Oyster Company’s official site and social media channels now!
Hama Hama Oysters Information
Oyster: Hama Hama
Species: Crassostrea gigas
Cultivation Method: Using a combination of bottom culture and off-bottom culture methods. They grow both classic beach-grown Hama Hamas as well as tumble-farmed Blue Pools.
Seasonality: Sept – July
Size: 2.5 -3″
Culture Method: Grow using a mix of bottom and off-bottom culture techniques, such as cage, rack-and-bag, and tumbling.
Salinity: 22-26 ppt
Appearance: Deep cups with sturdy & resilient shells. The shells are “gnarly” and “gray-green,” mirroring the Hama Hama River region’s misty fir forests and natural environment.
Flavor Profile: salt-forward, mellowing to a clean sweetness with fresh spinach, green olive, and a light smoke finish. They have a creamy consistency with a firm bite.
Location
The Hama Hama Oyster Company grows Hama Hama oysters in the Hood Canal area. These oysters are cultivated on the flats where the Hamma Hamma River carries cobble into the Hood Canal fjord during yearly floods, resulting in perfect growing conditions.
The Hood Canal’s unique water characteristics make it an ideal environment for cultivating exceptional oysters. The region boasts a “moderate” salinity level, with a balanced mix of salt and freshwater that creates a nutrient-rich oyster habitat. The Hood Canal’s narrow channels and tidal patterns generate swift currents, providing the ideal growing conditions for these filter-feeding bivalves.
The Hood Canal is a unique oyster-growing region that benefits from various environmental factors. Glacial waters from nearby mountain ranges feed the canal, contributing distinctive flavors and mineral content to the oysters. The blend of saltwater, freshwater, and glacial influences creates an exceptional growing environment for oysters in the Hood Canal. This unique environment is ultimately reflected in the taste of the oysters, making them a true delicacy.
The cool and nutrient-rich waters of the Hood Canal are especially beneficial in the spring, when the oysters are plump and juicy. The region’s seasonal temperature fluctuations also allow for year-round oyster harvesting, although the peak season is typically in the spring and fall. These optimal temperature conditions further enhance the quality and flavor profile of the Hood Canal’s prized oyster crop.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
- Valdespino Family Manzanilla Sherry – The briny flavor of these oysters pairs exceptionally well with the slightly saline character of a Manzanilla sherry. The sherry’s crisp acidity and subtle nutty notes complement the oysters’ natural sweetness.
- Camino Roca Txakolina – The Camino Roca, a Basque Txakolina wine, perfectly matches these oysters. The wine’s zippy acidity and subtle effervescence cut through the oysters’ brininess. On the back end, its green apple and citrus notes echo the oysters’ clean, oceanic flavors.
- Troit Toits Muscadet – A classic pairing. The lean, mineral-driven profile of a Muscadet like the Troit Toits bottling provides the perfect foil. It is for the delicate, sweet-briny character of the Hama Hama oysters.. The wine’s lemon-lime freshness and saline undertones create a harmonious match.
- Coppertail Brewing Captain Jack’s Stone Crab Stout – Coppertail’s stout pairs well with oysters due to its roasty and sweet notes. The stout’s subtle vanilla and caramel flavors could complement the oysters’ natural sweetness.
- Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic – Hendrick’s is a high-quality gin that has botanical complexity and subtle citrus notes. When paired with tonic water, it can provide a refreshing counterpoint. This refreshing counterpoint is the bold, oceanic profile. The gin’s floral and cucumber-like qualities can help to highlight the oysters’ delicate flavors.
Where Can I Buy Hama Hama Oysters?
- Hama Hama Oyster Company – The Hama Hama Oyster Company sells their oysters directly to consumers through their online store for home delivery.
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