Marionport

Marionport oysters are a type of oyster that are harvested in Marion, MA. They are a species of Crassostrea virginica and are available from November through March. These oysters have a rich history that is closely tied to the history of oyster cultivation in the United States. They are a unique and high-quality type of oyster that are known for their briny taste and sweet finish, and they are an important part of the oyster industry in Massachusetts.

Marionport oysters are known for their unique flavor profile influenced by the merroir of Marion, MA. The merroir is a term used to describe the environmental factors that affect the taste of oysters, such as the water temperature, salinity, and nutrient content. Marionport oysters have a briny taste with a sweet finish, and their shells have a deep cup shape.

Quick History

They are one of the last truly wild oysters in Massachusetts. Many oysters that once had a “wild look” have since crossed with farmed oysters, but Marionport oysters maintain their wild characteristics. Oysters, including Marionport oysters, are found in shallow waters and in colonies called beds or reefs. They have been cultivated for thousands of years and have a long history as a popular food source. 

In summary, Marionport oysters have their origin in Marion, MA. They are a type of oyster that is harvested in this area and are known for their unique flavor influenced by the merroir. Marionport oysters belong to the Crassostrea virginica species and are one of the last truly wild oysters in Massachusetts. They have a long history as a popular food source and are highly regarded for their quality and taste.

Marionport Oysters Information

Oyster: Marionport

Cultivation Method: Fishermen use hand rakes to harvest Marionport oysters. They rake the oysters from the oyster bed during low tide.

Season: November – March

Size: 3.5″+

Culture Method: Begin their life cycle as spat, which are baby oysters. The spat attach themselves to rocks in the ocean and begin to grow. They thrive in the wild setting until they are harvested. They grow in large groups called oyster beds, which can extend for several nautical miles.

Salinity: 20-25 ppt

Appearance: Marionport oysters have a unique appearance that includes a deep cup shape, dark green and hard ridged shells, and light beige flesh

Flavor: Overall they are salty then sweet. salty with a mineral, crisp, earthy sweet flavor with a vegetable finish. The meat is full and firm, making them a perfect starter oyster.

Location

Marionport oysters are located in Marion, MA. Marion is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, located on the eastern coast of Buzzards Bay. The oysters are harvested from the waters of Sippican Harbor, which is just outside of larger Marion Harbor proper. Sippican Harbor is an area that is quite open to Buzzards Bay.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

Marionport oysters can be paired with a variety of beverages, including:

1. Champagne: Champagne is a classic pairing for oysters, with its crisp fizziness and acidic flavor complementing the briny nature of the oysters.
2. Muscadet: Muscadet is another classic pairing for oysters, with its high acidity and bone-dry texture making it a perfect match for the shellfish. It also has green fruit notes such as lime, apples, pears, and lemons that add to the pairing.
3. White Wines High in Acidity and Minerality: White wines with high acidity and minerality generally pair well with high salinity Atlantic oysters like Channel Rock Oysters.
4. Stouts: For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, stouts like Guinness can be a good pairing for oysters.
5. Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that can taste delectable with oysters, with its high acidity and herbaceous notes complementing the briny flavor of the oysters6.
6. Albariño: Alberino is another wine that pairs well with oysters, with its crisp acidity and citrus notes complementing the briny flavor of the shellfish.
7. Fino Sherry: Fino Sherry is a dry, light-bodied wine that pairs well with oysters, with its nutty and saline flavors complementing the briny flavor of the shellfish.
8. Pinot Gris: A steely Pinot Gris can throw a bridge to all the minerality an oyster can muster, with its apple and pear fruit adding a sweet note to the pairing.
9. Chardonnay: Chardonnay can also be a good pairing for oysters, with its crisp acidity and citrus notes complementing the briny flavor of the shellfish.

Where to Buy Marionport Oysters

1. Island Creek Oysters: You can buy Marionport oysters from Island Creek Oysters’ online store. They offer Marionport oysters in regular size.
2. Elms Square Oyster Co. : Elms Square Oyster Co. also sells Marionport oysters. They are one of the last truly wild oysters in Massachusetts.
3. Pangea Shellfish: Pangea Shellfish is another online store where you can buy Marionport oysters. They offer both wild and farmed oysters.
4. Local restaurants: You can also check with local restaurants in your area to see if they offer Marionport oysters. Some restaurants may have them available for dine-in or takeout.