Rappahannock Oysters

Rappahannock oysters are a unique variety found in the Rappahannock River, which meets the Chesapeake Bay. They are known for their sweet and smooth flavor profile, which is almost buttery. This is due to the low salinity of their upriver home, which allows an intriguing Blue Ridge minerality to come through. This also makes them a great match for wine, particularly Chardonnay.

Rappahannock oysters are farmed by the Rappahannock Oyster Co., which has operated since the early 2000s. The company has advanced oyster farming methods, including sorting, handling, breeding, and maintaining optimal densities. This has enabled them to become one of the first commercially viable aquaculture operations.

About Rappahannock Oyster Company

The Rappahannock Oyster Co. has a rich history, dating back to 1899 when James Arthur Croxton founded it. The company unofficially began when Croxton leased 2 acres of Rappahannock River bottom. The business faced significant challenges, including the destruction of oyster beds by Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and the subsequent hurricanes Connie and Diane in 1955.

After the passing of William Croxton in 1991, the company ceased operations. However, in 2001, cousins Ryan and Travis Croxton, the founder’s great-grandsons, were informed about their family’s century-old oyster leases. They decided to take over the leases and revive the company. On March 23, 2002, Rappahannock Oyster Co. was officially reborn by purchasing 3,000 oyster seeds.

The Croxton cousins introduced sustainable aquaculture practices, which helped the company become one of the first commercially viable aquaculture operations. They opened a tasting room at their farm in Topping, Virginia, 2011 and an oyster bar in Washington, DC 2012. The company has since received national acclaim and operates several restaurants celebrating the Chesapeake Bay and its native shellfish.

The company harvests three oyster varieties: Rappahannock, Rochambeau, and Olde Salts, in addition to Olde Salt Clams. They ship out more than 180,000 oysters per week. The company runs six restaurants, among which the Rappahannock Oyster Bar stands out. It has been featured in the Wall Street Journal as one of the Five Outstanding and was recognized as one of the Best New Restaurants by Esquire. The company’s restaurants are in various locations, including Topping, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; Los Angeles, California; and Washington, D.C.

For more information on Rappahannock Oyster Company or any other inquiries, you can reach them on their company website or Instagram.

Rappahannock Oysters Information

Oyster: Rappahannock

Species: Crassostrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: Farmed for 18-24 months.

Seasonality: Year-round, but peak season is Oct-Apr.

Size: 3-4″

Culture Method: They use a nursery system where they can induce the oysters to spawn by raising the water temperature. The process involves the capture of subsequent larvae and placing them on ‘culch,’ which derives from ground-up oyster shells. This process results in millions of ‘spat’, or baby oysters, grown in cages.

Salinity: 15-20 ppt

Appearance: A smooth, rippled shell with deep cups and fluted edges. The shell color is predominantly white, contrasting with the oyster’s meat.

Flavor Profile: Rappahannock oysters have a sweet, buttery flavor profile, mild brininess, and a clean finish. The oysters boast a mineral-rich nature with a subtle saltiness, allowing their natural flavors to shine. The freshwater influences of the Rappahannock River infuse them with a full-bodied taste rich in minerality.

Location

The farmers cultivate Rappahannock oysters in the waters of the Rappahannock River and its tributaries. This area provides the ideal conditions for oyster farming, with a firm bottom, good flow, and nutrient-dense waters that support the growth and development of the oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Picpoul: This French varietal from Barboursville Vineyards pairs well with the sweet flavor of Rappahannock oysters. Its high acidity and citrus notes can balance the oyster’s buttery taste.
2. Chablis: This white wine from Burgundy, France, is known for its crisp, mineral qualities, which can complement the mineral-rich flavor of the oysters.
3. Shape of Curiosity: This cocktail blends bourbon with fino Sherry. The apples, lemon, and honey in the recipe help mellow out the intense salinity of the oysters.
4. The Salty Dog: A cocktail with grapefruit vodka, club soda, lime, and a salted rim. The citrus notes and salted rim can enhance the oyster’s sweet and salty flavor profile.
5. Bombay Sapphire Gin: This gin’s botanical flavors can complement the mineral-rich taste of the oysters.
6. Sparkling Water: The bubbles in sparkling water can cleanse the palate between oysters, enhancing their flavor.
7. Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade can balance the sweetness of the oysters, making it a refreshing pairing.

Where Can I Buy Rappahannock Oysters?

1. Rappahannock Oyster Co.: You can purchase directly from the source. They offer their oysters online and provide information about shipping and storage.
2. Rogue Oysters: They offer fresh Rappahannock River Oysters. You can order online, and they require a minimum of 48 hours to fulfill it. They also offer farm pick-ups and regional pick-ups.