Midnight Kiss oysters are a unique and captivating variety that stands out. These oysters are exclusively available for a limited time each year, making them a coveted delicacy among enthusiasts.
What sets Midnight Kiss oysters apart is their striking appearance. With shells ranging from 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches, these briny beauties boast a deep, cupped shape showcasing plump and succulent meat. The shells themselves are a rich, dark hue, adding to the allure of these oysters.
Beyond their visual appeal, Midnight Kiss oysters offer a distinct and memorable flavor profile. Harvested from the pristine waters of Narragansett Bay, they possess a bold brininess perfectly balanced by a sweet, buttery finish. This harmonious blend of flavors demonstrates these oysters’ exceptional quality and the care with which oyster farmers cultivate them.
How Did Midnight Kiss Oysters Get Their Name?
Midnight Kiss oysters derive their name from their association with New Year’s Eve celebrations. These oysters are marketed as a festive delicacy, perfect for ringing in the new year. The name “Midnight Kiss” evokes the tradition of sharing a kiss at the stroke of midnight to welcome the new year, making these oysters a fitting and memorable addition to any New Year’s Eve party.
About American Mussel Harvesters
American Mussel Harvesters, Inc. (AMH) was founded in 1986 with humble beginnings, starting with just one phone, truck, and mussel boat. The company established a few core ideas and committed to providing high-quality shellfish. Over the years, AMH has become one of North America’s largest producers of mussels, expanding its offerings to include clams and oysters.
AMH operates farms in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound, where they cultivate their shellfish using sustainable and ecologically sensitive practices. The company has formed strategic alliances with independent shellfish farmers, allowing them to focus on growing while AMH handles the marketing and distribution. This collaboration ensures a steady supply of fresh, flavorful shellfish that meets the high standards of their Restaurant Ready® line.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its processing facilities, which have significantly reduced freshwater consumption and implemented water recirculation systems. AMH’s dedication to quality and sustainability has made it a trusted supplier for restaurants and seafood enthusiasts, providing live shellfish that are both delicious and environmentally friendly
Stay up-to-date on when these sought-after oysters will be released by following American Mussel Harvesters on Facebook and Instagram. You won’t miss your chance to get a batch of these rich, briny beauties with their distinctive dark shells and harmonious blend of bold and sweet flavors. Head to their website now to learn more about Midnight Kiss and American Mussel Harvesters’ full range of premium oyster varieties. Don’t let this fleeting opportunity to experience oyster perfection pass you by!
Midnight Kiss Oysters Information
Oyster: Midnight Kiss
Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern/Atlantic oyster)
Cultivation Method: Farmed for 18-24 months.
Size: 2 1/4 – 2 3/4″
Seasonality: Available for a limited time around New Year’s Eve each year, hence the name “Midnight Kiss.”
Culture Method: Rack and Bag Method
Salinity: 30-35 ppt
Appearance: Midnight Kiss oysters have shells ranging from 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches, with deep cups. This shape showcases their plump and succulent meat. The shells themselves are a rich, dark hue, adding to the allure of these oysters.
Flavor Profile: A bold brininess perfectly balanced by a sweet, buttery finish. They possess a harmonious blend of flavors, with notes of brine complemented by a sweet, almost fruity undertone. The overall flavor profile has a memorable balance between saltiness and sweetness.
Location
Midnight Kiss oysters grow in the waters of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. This location provides several favorable environmental factors that support the growth and prosperity of these oysters.
Firstly, Narragansett Bay offers an ideal salinity range for oyster cultivation. Oysters thrive in brackish waters with moderate salinity levels, typically between 15-30 parts per thousand (ppt). The bay’s connection to the Atlantic Ocean and the influx of freshwater from rivers and streams create a salinity gradient within this optimal range, providing the perfect balance of salt and freshwater for oyster growth.
Secondly, the bay’s water quality and nutrient levels are conducive to oyster farming. Oysters are filter feeders, requiring a steady supply of phytoplankton and other microscopic organisms for sustenance. Narragansett Bay’s relatively clean waters and moderate nutrient levels support a healthy phytoplankton population, ensuring a consistent oyster food source.
The bay’s tidal patterns and water circulation are crucial in oyster cultivation. The ebb and flow of tides help flush out waste and replenish the water with fresh nutrients while providing a gentle water movement that oysters prefer. This water circulation also helps to prevent the buildup of sediments and pollutants, maintaining a suitable environment for oyster growth.
Furthermore, the bay’s relatively shallow depth and protected nature provide a sheltered environment for oyster farms. This protection from strong currents and waves minimizes the risk of physical damage to the oysters and their cultivation equipment, ensuring their safety and promoting optimal growth conditions.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
- Dogfish Head SeaQuench Ale – This tart, refreshing gose-style ale has hints of lime and black lime that can complement the oysters’ brininess while the salt addition accentuates their sweet finish.
- Gruner Veltliner from Hirsch Vineyards – This Austrian white wine’s crisp acidity and minerality can cut through the richness of the oysters while enhancing their sweet, buttery notes.
- Negroni Sbagliato – This cocktail has a light bitterness and effervescence. Made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and Prosecco, this cocktail can balance the bold flavors while cleansing the palate.
- Saison Dupont – This classic Belgian farmhouse ale’s spicy, earthy notes provide an intriguing contrast to the oysters’ oceanic brininess.
- Albariño from Palacio de Fefiñanes – This Spanish white wine’s citrusy, slightly salty character can accentuate Midnight Kiss oysters’ sweet and briny aspects.
Where Can I Buy Midnight Kiss Oysters?
American Mussel Harvesters – American Mussel Harvesters specifically sell the “Midnight Kiss” variety of oysters. American Mussel Harvesters is the company that cultivates and sells Midnight Kiss oysters directly. Their website offers Midnight Kiss oysters in 25-count bags for $31.25.
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