Hollywood Oysters

Hollywood oysters are a type of oyster that grow in Southern Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay. More specifically, the Hollywood Oyster Company.

The Hollywood Oyster Company is one of the largest oyster farms in Maryland, located in Southern Maryland. They not only farm their own oysters but also source oysters from the Chesapeake Bay to supplement their production. Hollywood oysters are highly regarded for their unique flavor profile and have gained popularity among oyster enthusiasts.

In summary, Hollywood oysters are grown in Southern Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay. They have a sweet, creamy flavor with a flintiness and crisp finish. The merroir of these oysters offers a medium salinity that enhances the taste of the plump meat with smooth hints of cucumber finish. The Hollywood Oyster Company is a prominent oyster farm in Maryland, known for their high-quality oysters.

Hollywood oysters are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique flavor profile and the efforts of local farmers to restore the Chesapeake Bay oyster population. Oyster gardening, a process where baby oysters are grown in cages and then released into the wild, has become a popular way for farmers to help restore the oyster population.

The Chesapeake Bay oyster population has been in decline due to overfishing, pollution, and disease. However, efforts are being made to restore the oyster population, and Hollywood oysters are one example of a successful restoration effort. The oysters are not only delicious, but they also play an important role in the ecosystem by filtering water and providing habitat for other marine life.

Hollywood Oysters Information

Oyster: Hollywood

Cultivation Method: Farmed for approx. 20 months

Seasonality: Year Round

Size: 3-3.5″

Culture Method: off-bottom cages and tumbled often to increase shell strength and cup depth

Salinity: 15-20 ppt

Appearance: Oysters have a hard, rough, and irregularly shaped shell. The color of the shell can vary, but it is often gray or brownish in hue. The shells of Hollywood oysters are unique for an Atlantic oyster with an incredibly deep cup that boasts a gleaming opalescent to ivory white coloring due to the meticulous farming practice

Flavor Profile: sweet with mineral and mossy notes. They have a clean finish and are slightly briny with buttery flavors. The merroir of the waters where they are grown offers a mild, medium salinity accenting with subtle tones of toasted nut and a smooth cucumber finish. Some reviewers have noted a mineral taste with very little brine. 

Location

You will find Hollywood oysters in Hog Neck Creek on the Patuxent River in the Chesapeake Bay. The creek is located in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.

Suggested Pairings

1. Champagne: The crisp fizziness and acidic flavor of Champagne make it a classic pairing with oysters. The bubbles in the Champagne help to cleanse the palate between bites of oysters, while the acidity of the wine complements the sweetness of the oysters.
2. Gin Martini: A gin martini is another classic pairing that complements the sweet, fresh, and distinctly oceanic flavor of oysters. The botanicals in the gin and the briny flavor of the oysters create a harmonious pairing.
3. Michelada: The flavors of a Michelada, which include hot sauce and lime juice, go together with oysters like peas and carrots. The spicy and tangy flavors of the Michelada complement the sweet and briny flavor of the oysters.
4. Sour or Gose-Style Beer: A sour or gose-style beer can be a great choice for pairing with Hollywood oysters. The natural sweet and sour notes of these beers tend to pair well with the flavors of the oysters
5. Citrus-based cocktails: Anything citrus-based is a shoo-in to pair with oysters, as the bright, tangy flavors make oysters sing on the tongue. A citrus-based cocktail, such as a lemon drop or grapefruit martini, is a great choice to pair with Hollywood oysters.

Overall, these specific beverage pairings are great options to complement and enhance the unique flavor profile of Hollywood oysters.

Where to Buy Hollywood Oysters

There are several options for purchasing Hollywood oysters. Here are some places where you can buy them:

1. Hollywood Oyster Company: The Hollywood Oyster Company website offers farm-fresh oyster varieties, delicious seafood, and shucking products, all delivered right to your door.
2. Supreme Lobster: Supreme Lobster is a national vendor.
3. FishChoice: FishChoice is a website that connects seafood buyers with sustainable seafood suppliers.