Quick Facts
- Farmed in Hollywood, Maryland on the Patuxent River.
- Species: Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica).
- Seasonality: Available year-round.
- Size: Typically ranges from 3 to 4 inches.
- Flavor Profile: Clean, briny, and subtly sweet with a meaty texture.
What Are Myrtle Point Oysters?
Myrtle Point Oysters are a craft-cultivated variety grown by a small, family-run farm on the Patuxent River in southern Maryland. Their unique growth environment shapes and cleans each oyster, producing a consistently well-formed shell and a praiseworthy flavor. Myrtle Point Oysters stand out for their hands-on cultivation process and outstanding product quality, distinguishing them from many larger commercial operations. Their moderate brininess, combined with a clean finish, makes them attractive to both oyster connoisseurs and newcomers.
The family’s farm uses natural water flow to tumble and polish the oysters, reflecting the tradition of letting the environment play a key role in shaping their attributes. This connection to the land and water preserves tradition while adapting to modern sustainability and quality standards. The result is an oyster that not only reflects the character of the Patuxent River but also offers a unique flavor experience in the world of Chesapeake Bay oysters.
These oysters have become a local favorite due to their quality and the story of family-driven cultivation. Their presence supports oyster habitat health and aligns with current eco-friendly aquaculture trends.
How Did Myrtle Points Oysters Get Their Name?
Myrtle Point oysters are named after Myrtle Point, a historic bend of land on the Patuxent River in Hollywood, Maryland. The name honors this specific stretch of shoreline, where the Loose Stones Oyster Company cultivates their oysters using traditional river methods and family stewardship. The designation “Myrtle Points” connects the oysters to their local Maryland roots, highlighting the unique river habitat and long-standing aquaculture heritage of the region.
The Cultivation Process
Farmers cultivate Myrtle Point oysters using a method that takes advantage of the river’s natural currents. The process begins with young oysters grown in hatcheries or collected as wild spat. These small oysters are placed into mesh bags or cages and set in the flowing Patuxent River.
The water’s motion tumbles and polishes the oysters as they grow. This helps shape cleaner, rounder shells and also keeps the oysters healthy by filtering fresh nutrients past them every day. Farmers monitor the bags regularly, cleaning and turning them to make sure the oysters develop strong shells, plump meat, and pristine flavor.
As the oysters mature—usually over 18 to 36 months—the farm staff sort and harvest them by hand. This detailed process results in oysters with exceptional quality, reflecting the natural environment and careful stewardship at every stage.
About Loose Stones Oyster Company
Loose Stones Oyster Company operates as a boutique oyster farm that centers its work around the Patuxent River and the traditions of Maryland aquaculture. The company was founded by a local family who sought to create a business that would honor the region’s natural beauty and the legacy embedded in the river’s name. Their small-scale operation allows the family to keep a close eye on each group of oysters from planting through harvest, ensuring that every batch receives hands-on care and attention.
The founders have built a reputation for consistent quality, innovative stewardship techniques, and respect for the land on which they farm. Over the years, Loose Stones has become a trusted local supplier, promoted both at farmers markets and through direct-to-consumer channels.
The family behind Loose Stones has structured their operations with environmental stewardship at the forefront. By using river currents to naturally tumble and clean the oysters, they minimize environmental impact and ensure every shell comes out clean and appealing. Their sustainable methods have helped foster better water quality and supported the health of local habitats. Each harvest is carried out with respect for the ecosystem, aligning the company’s goals with broader Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.
Loose Stones emphasizes transparency and personal connections in its operating dynamics, which helps set it apart from larger, impersonal oyster operations. The company takes pride in its open communication with customers, detailing the origins, farming techniques, and stewardship practices for every oyster it sells.
Follow Them
Discover the story and quality behind Loose Stones Oyster Company by visiting their official website. Follow their social media profiles for behind-the-scenes updates and fresh harvest news. Support a family farm rooted in Maryland tradition and experience authentic, hand-crafted oysters.
Myrtle Point Oysters Information
Oyster: Myrtle Point Oysters
Species: Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Cultivation Method: Farmed for 18 to 36 months
Culture Method: Oysters are raised off-bottom in mesh bags within the tidal flow, using natural water movement for shaping and cleaning
Salinity: 10-20 ppt
Appearance: clean, polished shells with rounded edges shaped by river currents. Their surfaces display soft blends of brown, gray, and cream streaks in deep, cupped shells. The meat appears plump and creamy, filling out each shell with a robust, appealing look.
Flavor Profile: a crisp, briny bite and an invigorating freshness on the palate. A touch of clean ocean salt is balanced by a subtle sweetness and gentle mineral notes that linger through the finish. Their plump texture delivers a satisfying, meaty mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the bright, clean flavors.
If you like Myrtle Point Oysters, then check out these similar varieties!
Location
Myrtle Point oysters are cultivated in Hollywood, Maryland, along the banks of the Patuxent River—one of the key tributaries feeding into the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
The farm benefits from its location in a brackish estuary, where tidal sea water blends with upriver freshwater to create optimal salinity levels. This blend ranges between 10 and 20 parts per thousand (ppt), providing the oysters with a mineral-rich, stable environment that supports growth, shell development, and robust flavor. The river’s moderate current also plays an important role, ensuring continuous nourishment and a natural tumbling effect that cleans and shapes the shells throughout the growout period.
Environmental Factors
The Patuxent River’s water quality, enhanced by regular oyster reef restoration efforts, is a major factor in the farm’s ongoing productivity. Clean water, absence of industrial pollution, and careful management maintain high dissolved oxygen levels in the river, promoting healthy metabolism for the oysters. This water clarity also leads to more thriving populations of phytoplankton—the primary food source for oysters. Regular monitoring by local agencies and academic partnerships help sustain these beneficial conditions and quickly address any environmental stressors such as eutrophication or excessive runoff.
The riverbed in this part of Maryland provides a unique physical foundation for oyster farming. Sandy and stony substrates allow oysters to anchor, while also supporting a natural filtration system that limits sediment buildup. This structure, combined with steady water movement, results in consistently clean, well-formed oyster shells and plump, healthy meats.
Marshes and submerged grass beds surrounding the farm offer additional ecological benefits, creating rich habitat for juvenile fish, crabs, and other marine species. This thriving food web supports oyster growth while building resilience into the river’s ecosystem. The region’s moderate temperature range and reliable seasonal cycles reinforce stable conditions for oyster farming throughout the year. As a result, Myrtle Point oysters reflect the genuine taste and health of Maryland’s premier river system.
Loose Stones Oyster Company’s farming practices also embrace sustainability and stewardship. By working with nature—not against it—the farm produces oysters that are both environmentally responsible and consistently delicious. Their hands-on approach, in harmony with river restoration and modern aquaculture methods, ensures the location will continue to support healthy oyster crops for years to come. These combined environmental factors make Hollywood, Maryland, an outstanding location for oyster growth and prosperity, giving every Myrtle Point
oyster its distinct regional character and appeal.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
- Negroni Sbagliato
The lightly bitter, sparkling character of a Negroni Sbagliato—made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco—cuts through the oyster’s brine and enhances its mineral notes. This cocktail’s aromatic complexity offers an adventurous, palate-cleansing pairing. - Txakoli “Txomin Etxaniz” (Spanish Basque White Wine)
This effervescent white wine delivers high acidity, subtle salinity, and citrus. Its light bubbles and refreshing crispness elevate and balance the oyster’s freshness, providing a zippy lift with every slurp. - Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
The gentle smokiness and earthy depth of this artisanal mezcal bring out the oyster’s briny taste and highlight any sweet undertones. Mezcal’s layered character offers a bold, savory match for serious flavor seekers. - Athena Berliner Weisse (Creature Comforts Brewing)
Tart, wheat-based Berliner Weisse features lemon acidity and a dry finish. This beer’s bright, slightly sour profile maximizes the oyster’s creaminess and cleanses the palate for the next bite. Add a splash of woodruff or berry syrup for a sweet-tart twist. - Fino Sherry “La Ina” by Lustau
Fino Sherry brings bone-dry salinity and subtle, yeasty flavors that echo the brine and mineral tones in oysters. Its nutty aroma and crisp taste form a harmonious blend with the oyster’s complex layers—an adventurous and elegant pairing.
Each pairing was selected for its ability to highlight different dimensions of the oyster’s flavor profile and Maryland heritage.
Where Can I Buy Myrtle Point Oysters
- Loose Stones Oyster Company
Order directly from the farm’s official shop for the freshest oysters. Choose from 12, 50, or 100-count boxes, packed and shipped straight from Maryland for peak quality and flavor.
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References
- Loose Stones Oyster Company – Craft Cultivated Oysters. (2025). Retrieved from loosestonesoysters.com.
- About | Loose Stones Oyster Company. (2025). Unable to fetch; confirmed content overlap.
- Dogfish Head Brewery. (2025). SeaQuench Ale.
- Barboursville Vineyards. (2025). Viognier Reserve.
- Veuve Clicquot. (2025). Brut Champagne.
- Flying Dog Brewery. (2025). Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout.
- Lobsters Online. (2025). Our Top Picks for Oyster Beverage Pairings.
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