Shooting Point Salts Oysters

Shooting Point Salts oysters are a truly exceptional variety that stands out. These oysters thrive in the pure waters around Hog Island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, benefiting from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Little Machipongo Inlet.

The merroir, or the terroir of the sea, plays a crucial role in shaping the distinct flavor profile of Shooting Point Salts. The salinity levels range from 31 to 33 parts per thousand. This creates an intensely briny environment that imparts a profound saltiness to the oysters. The high salinity, combined with the gentle caress of the Atlantic tides and the surrounding marshes, produces oysters with a remarkable depth of flavor.

Shooting Point Salts stands out for their exceptional quality and the meticulous care that goes into their cultivation. The Gallivan family and Shooting Point Oyster Company’s owners have blended centuries-old traditions with modern techniques. They have created a sustainable and responsible farming practice. They handle each oyster with the utmost care to preserve the delicate flavors and textures from the farm to your plate.

About Shooting Point Oyster Company

Shooting Point Oyster Company, founded by Tom Gallivan and his wife Ann Arseniu, is a family-run farm on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The company cultivates high-quality oysters from three local watersheds: Nassawadox Creek, Hog Island Bay, and Church Creek. The Gallivans are highly educated in shellfish genetics. They have combined traditional aquaculture methods with modern scientific techniques. This combination has allowed them to produce some of the finest oysters.

Shooting Point Salts, the company’s top product, grows in the salty waters around Hog Island. This unique location is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Little Machipongo Inlet. The salinity levels in this area range from 31 to 33 parts per thousand. This imparts a distinct briny flavor to the oysters, making them some of the saltiest and most flavorful on the market. The Gallivans also produce other varieties like Bullseyes and Church Creek Corks, each with its unique flavor profile influenced by the specific conditions of their respective watersheds.

Shooting Point Oyster Company actively practices sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.The Gallivans actively monitor water quality and participate in various environmental organizations to ensure the health of their local ecosystems. Their dedication to sustainability helps maintain the quality of their oysters and contributes to the broader efforts of restoring and preserving the Chesapeake Bay.

Discover the exceptional quality and unique flavor of Shooting Point Salts oysters! Follow Shooting Point Oyster Company on their social media accounts. Stay updated on their latest offerings and sustainable farming practices. Visit their official website to learn more about their commitment to environmental stewardship and to place your order today. Dive into the world of premium oysters and taste the difference that dedication and expertise make!

• Facebook
• X
• Instagram

Shooting Point Salt Oysters Information

Oyster: Shooting Point Salts

Species: Crassostrea virginica

Cultivation Method: Off-bottom cages

Seasonality: Year-round

Size: Average size of 3.25 inches

Culture Method: Farm-raised for 16-24 months.

Salinity: 30-35 ppt

Appearance: Their shells exhibit honey hues, often with a slightly rough texture and a deep cup, which indicates their plump and juicy meats inside. Robust shells with the classic teardrop shape that showcase the care taken in their farming process.

Flavor Profile: Begins with a pronounced briny intensity, reminiscent of the purest sea salt. This initial burst of salinity is followed by slightly sweet, plump meats that provide a delightful contrast. The finish is incredibly clean and pure, leaving a lingering taste that can only be described as akin to kissing the sea herself

Location

Shooting Point Salts oysters come from the pristine waters around Hog Island Bay on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The Atlantic Ocean meets the Little Machipongo Inlet, creating unique environmental conditions that give these oysters a distinct flavor profile.

Due to its unique environmental conditions, Hog Island Bay is ideal for oyster growth. The bay’s waters are rich in nutrients and phytoplankton, essential for oyster development. The nutrient gradient across Hog Island Bay ensures a consistent supply of dissolved inorganic and organic nitrogen, which is crucial for the oysters’ filter-feeding process.

The bay’s salinity levels and tidal flows create an optimal oyster habitat. The intertidal zones allow oysters to spend part of their lives exposed to air. This exposure helps shape their shells and improve their overall quality. This exposure and the bay’s clean, cool waters result in plump and sweet oysters reflecting the region’s merroir.

The Samoa Peninsula shields the bay’s protected basins from the harsh conditions of the open Pacific Ocean. This provides a stable and safe environment for oyster cultivation. The protection improves young oysters’ survival rates and supports sustainable farming, ensuring year-round production of high-quality oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1.  Domaine de la Pépière – This classic pairing works because Muscadet’s high acidity and citrus notes. They enhance the briny, salty flavors of the oysters, creating a refreshing and balanced taste experience.
2.  Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs – The crisp, mineral-driven profile of this Champagne complements the pure brine finish of the oysters. While the bubbles add a delightful textural contrast.
3. Dupont Saison – The fruity spiciness and barnyard nose of Dupont Saison enhances the mineral and briny notes of the oysters. As a result, providing a complex and harmonious pairing.
4. Gin Martini with Tanqueray No. Ten Gin –  A classic Gin Martini with a twist of lemon peel. This drink offers a strong, cold, and slightly bitter profile. Ultimatley, this complements the sweet and salty flavors of the oysters, making for a sophisticated pairing.
5.  Bodegas Fillaboa Albariño – The citrus zest and notable zip of this Albariño highlight the sweet and briny characteristics of the oysters. Thus creating a vibrant and refreshing combination.

Where Can I Buy Shooting Point Salts Oysters?

1. Amazon – Available in various quantities, you can purchase Shooting Point Salts oysters directly from Amazon. They are listed under the brand Anderson’s Neck and are farm-raised.
2. Anderson’s Neck Online Store – You can order Shooting Point Salts oysters in quantities ranging from 12 to 1,000. The website also offers a “Bundle & Save Box” option to minimize shipping costs.
3. Shooting Point Oyster Company Website – The company’s official website provides detailed information about the oysters and offers them for sale. They highlight the unique growing conditions and flavor profile of the oysters.