Martha’s Vineyard Oysters

Martha’s Vineyard oysters, hailing from the beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, are a well-known variety of eastern oysters. These oysters, known as Martha’s Vineyard, are highly sought for their exceptional quality and unique flavor profiles. Whether wild or cultivated, Martha’s Vineyard oysters offer a delightful culinary experience.

Known for their plumpness and abundance of liquor, they are a true delight for oyster enthusiasts. They have a mild and smooth taste pleasing to the palate. These oysters grow in various salt ponds on the island, where fishermen skillfully harvest them from small skiffs.

Both wild and cultivated Martha’s Vineyard oysters are available, offering a range of flavors and textures. The island is home to different varieties of oysters, each with its unique characteristics. Some notable varieties include Sengekontacket Pond Oysters, Menemsha Creek Oysters, Blue Moon Oysters, Katama Signature Oysters, and Sweet Neck Oysters. These varieties showcase the diversity and richness of the oyster culture on Martha’s Vineyard.

Martha’s Vineyard oysters are grown using various methods, such as floating bins, off-bottom cages, and tidal-powered upwellers. The cold, clean, and crisp flowing waters of Vineyard Sound contribute to the exceptional quality of these oysters. The cultivation process ensures that the oysters develop a creamy texture and a mild, clean flavor with varying levels of brininess.

Whether you’re a seasoned oyster connoisseur or a curious food lover, they offer a taste of the island’s coastal flavors. Their plumpness, mildness, and unique flavor profiles make them a delightful addition to any seafood feast or culinary exploration. So, if you have the opportunity, don’t miss the chance to savor the flavors of Martha’s Vineyard through its exceptional oysters.

Farms

1. Eastville Beach Farm: Eastville Beach Farm is a 2-acre farm just off Eastville Beach at the entrance to Vineyard Haven harbor. They produce oysters and kelp.
2. Signature Oyster Farm: Signature Oyster Farm is located in Katama Bay in Edgartown on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. They specialize in delivering delicious and healthy oysters with a sweet, salty taste and rich texture. Their oysters are renowned for their hard shell and clean, easy opening.
3. Cottage City Oysters: Cottage City Oysters is a 3D regenerative open ocean aquaculture farm off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in Oak Bluffs. They cultivate oysters using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods.

Martha’s Vineyard Oyster Information

Oyster: Martha’s Vineyard

Cultivation Method: Farmed and Wild.

Farmed:  Grown using various methods, such as floating bins, off-bottom cages, and tidal-powered upwellers

Wild: found growing in various salt ponds on the island, where fishermen skillfully harvest them from small boats.

Seasonality: October – May

Size: 3.5+

Culture Method: Bottom culture either in cages (farmed) or oyster beds (wild)

Salinity: 20-25 ppt

Appearance: Oysters can vary, but they typically have a rugged and irregular shell shape with a rough texture on the outside. They have brown shells with white and/or purple colorations.

Flavor Profile: Mild, smooth, creamy, fresh, and clean finish. They are also said to have “variable brininess”

Location

Martha’s Vineyard oysters are cultivated using various methods and in different locations around the island.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Champagne: Champagne is a classic pairing with oysters. The crisp fizziness and acidic flavor of Champagne complement well with the briny nature of oysters.
2. Muscadet: Muscadet is another classic pairing for oysters. It is a white wine with acidity and minerality, with green fruit notes such as lime, apples, pears, and lemons. It pairs well with high-salinity Atlantic oysters.
3. Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a good pairing for plump and creamy oysters. These wines burst with acidity and citrus notes, which complement the creamy texture of the oysters.
4. Stouts: Stouts like Guinness can be a good pairing with oysters. The roasted malt flavors and creamy texture of stouts complement the richness of the oysters.
5. IPAs: IPAs can be a good pairing with Martha’s Vineyard oysters. The vegetal notes of the oysters pair well with citrusy beers such as Double Citra Galaxy.
6. Crisp white wines: White wines high in acidity and minerality generally pair well with oysters. They can help balance the brininess of the oysters and refresh the palate between each bite.
7. Mezcal Negroni: A Mezcal Negroni can be a good cocktail pairing with Martha’s Vineyard oysters. The smoky, bitter cocktail is a scrumptious contrast to the deepwater oysters.

Where to Buy Martha’s Vineyard Oysters

1. Island Creek Oysters: Island Creek Oysters offers Sweet Neck oysters from Martha’s Vineyard, MA. They are available for a limited time only and can be purchased from their website.
2. Martino’s Seafood Online Store: Martino’s Seafood Online Store offers local seafood from the island of Martha’s Vineyard, including oysters, clams, scallops, kelp seaweed, and local produce. They can be purchased from their website.
3. Signature Oyster Farm: Signature Oyster Farm is located in Katama Bay in Edgartown on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. They offer oysters renowned for their sweet, salty taste and rich texture. They are available from October until May and can be purchased from their website.