Kettle Cove Oysters

Did you know that Kettle Cove oysters are a type of oyster that is cultivated in the waters around Richmond Island in Maine? Additionally, they are the flagship oyster of the Portland Oyster Company.

The Portland Oyster Company is a boutique oyster farm located between Kettle Cove and Two Lights State Park in Maine. It is owned by Todd Gutner and Greg Perkins. The farm cultivates high-quality Maine Fresh oysters, including their signature oyster, Kettle Cove Oysters.

The farm sits in the optimal cool, crisp waters off Richmond Island, which provide the perfect environment for oyster growth. Maine’s frigid, clean ocean waters and strong tidal movements incontrovertibly contribute to the ideal conditions for oyster farming. It is an undeniable fact that oyster farming in Maine has a long-standing tradition, with the industry growing from a handful of oysters to an annual harvest of around three million oysters, all due to the tireless research conducted by University of Maine scientists.

In addition to being grown in Kettle Cove, these oysters are also featured in a post on Instagram by Portland Oyster Company. Nate Perry gives a tour of his aquaculture site in Kettle Cove in a video on YouTube.  They are also available for sale through The Maine Oyster Company, along with other oysters from Maine such as Emily’s Oyster, Lanes Island, and Little Buster.

Kettle Cove Oysters Information

Oyster: Kettle Cove

Cultivation Method: Farmed. 3-year rack and bag method.

Season: Kettle Cove oysters are available year-round, but their peak season is during months ending in “r” (September through April), according to the Maine Oyster Trail.

Size: 2.5-3.5″

Culture Method: Bottom cultured in mesh bags or trays.

Salinity: 25-30 ppt

Appearance: Deep cupped shell with a black and white coloration. The mantle has a distinctive frill or ruffle.

Flavor Profile: Medium to full-bodied with a crisp, briny flavor. The oyster has a bold and meaty texture with a crisp and refreshing taste.

Location

They are located in the waters off Richmond Island, near Cape Elizabeth, Maine. They are the only home-grown Cape Elizabeth oyster.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Champagne: The crisp fizziness and acidic flavor of Champagne compliments well with the briny nature, also helping cut through the creaminess.
2. Muscadet: If there’s any one classic pairing for oysters, it’s the always-bright, always-crisp muscadet. The green fruit notes in a muscadet, such as lime, apples, pears, and even lemons, pair well.
3. Pilsner or Lager: A cold, fizzy beer like pilsner or lager can be a great choice to pair.
4. Negronis or Boulevardiers: These cocktails complement the briny flavor.
5. Margarita: A margarita dressing using lime juice, tequila, and extra virgin oil can be poured over shucked oysters.

Where to Buy Kettle Cove Oysters

Kettle Cove oysters can be from the following places:

1. SoPo Seafood: SoPo Seafood offers oysters for sale online for overnight shipping, local delivery, or curbside pickup in Maine.
2. Portland Oyster Company: Portland Oyster Company cultivates high-quality Maine fresh oysters.
3. The Maine Oyster Company: is an oyster company building the oyster community through experience and story!