Navy Cove Oysters

Navy Cove Oysters, established in 2011, is a premium Gulf oyster brand known for their sustainable farming practices. Marine science researchers, including Dr. John Supan, founded the brand by producing them in the salty waters of southern Mobile Bay, along the northern shore of Fort Morgan. Their long-term friendship and working relationship led to the creation of this brand.

Multiple purveyors distribute these oysters, famous for their moderate brine and rich, creamy, buttery flavor, to restaurants in Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. The cultivation of Navy Cove Oysters employs specialized methods, highlighting their high quality and classification as boutique oysters.

About Navy Cove Oysters

Navy Cove Oysters LLC was founded in 2011 by marine science researchers Dr. John Supan and Dr. Charles Wilson. Eric Bradley was raised on a crawfish farm in south Louisiana and joined the partnership in 2016. The farm lies on the northern shore of Fort Morgan, Alabama, close to Navy Cove, a body of water that Native Americans, pirates, and the U.S. Navy frequented during the War of 1812 and World War II.

The partners sought to join a growing movement along the coastal regions of the Southern US and Gulf, producing prized oysters for the half-shell market. The farm has its nursery and grows its seed. Bon Secour Fisheries sells the oysters after planting and raising the seed.
In the first two years, the founders had permission to put ten cages in the water, and they ate all of their harvest. They were having fun. Then they decided they were pretty good oysters, so they decided to expand the operation.

The farm has had its best sales year recently and currently has 1 million oysters in the water to be harvested. Restaurants along the Alabama coast, Birmingham, Baton Rouge in Louisiana, Columbus and Atlanta in Georgia, Galveston in Texas, and sometimes Houston offer their oysters.

You can contact Navy Cove Oysters on their official website. You can also check out their social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, or X.

Navy Cove Oysters Information

Oyster: Navy Cove

Species: Crassostrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: Farmed for approximately 6 Months.

Seasonality: Year-round.

Size: 2.5 -3.5″

Culture Method: Cultured using environmentally sustainable methods. The cages are relatively close to the surface and regularly air-dried to remove barnacles, algae, and other contaminants.

Salinity: 23-28 ppt

Appearance: Beautifully farmed, indicating a well-shaped, clean shell. The shell color can vary, but it’s often a white, gray, and brown mix, typical of the Eastern oyster species.

Flavor Profile:  The gulf waters contribute to their moderate brine and sweet, cucumber-like finish. The meat has a delicate creamy, buttery texture.

Location

Navy Cove oysters are cultivated along the northern shore of Fort Morgan, Alabama. This location is at the intersection of the waters of Mobile Bay and the salty waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Laphroaig 10-Year Scotch Whiskey – This seaweedy and earthy whiskey can perfectly showcase the singularity of these oysters. The smoky, peaty flavors of the whiskey can complement the briny, marine flavors of the oysters.
2. Harpoon IPA – This Boston beer, bursting with old-school, citrusy bitterness, can be a good match for the oysters. The bitterness of the IPA can balance the rich, creamy texture of the oysters.
3. Shuckin’ Lucky Black Oyster IPA – This beer uses roasted and caramel malts, providing a hint of sweetness reminiscent of a stout while retaining the traditional IPA’s earthiness and citrus flavors. This sweet yet earthy combination pairs exceptionally well with an oyster.
4. Dry Sparkling Wine – A dry sparkling wine can pair great with a range of oysters, including the Navy Cove variety. The effervescence and acidity of the wine can cut through the creaminess of the oysters, while the dryness can balance their salinity.
5. Gose or Sour Wheat Beer – If you’re looking for a tart and funky pairing, a gose or a sour wheat beer can be a good choice. The sourness of these beers can contrast with the creaminess of the oysters, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Where Can I Buy Navy Cove Oysters?

1. Oysters XO – They offer 36 and 50 oyster packages distributed by Bon Secour Fisheries. The oysters ship with ice packs to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
2. Greer’s Market – Located in Fairhope, Alabama, you can purchase or order Navy Cove Oysters through them. You can stop by or call their Meat Department at 251 928-8029.
3. Evans Meat and Seafood – Evans Meat and Seafood is a wholesale meat and seafood purveyor for restaurants and other food service operations.