Sweet Jesus Oysters

Sweet Jesus oysters grow in Hog Neck Creek on the Patuxent River in the Chesapeake Bay. They spend their early life in cages in the water column and tumble regularly to develop a deep cup and hard shell. These oysters are buttery with celery hints and have sweet, complex flavors with a mineral and mossy taste and a clean finish. They are available year-round and grown from oyster seed in their hatchery until about 0.5 inches.

The grow bags keep the oysters safer from hungry Maryland Blue Crabs. Sweet Jesus oysters spawn on a creek on the mile-wide Patuxent River in the Chesapeake Bay in St. Mary’s County. Each oyster goes through a sorting process by size. They also tumble six times during the 20-month grow-out period, assuring a consistent size and deep cup.

About Hollywood Oyster Company

The Hollywood Oyster Company, founded in 2010 and located in Southern Maryland, operates one of the region’s largest oyster farms. Sitting on the banks of the Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, the company emphasizes sustainable aquaculture, with its operations being 100% solar-powered. Their oyster farming caters to the demand for authentic, varied taste profiles in oysters and contributes to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay oyster population through oyster gardening.

They extend their community engagement by sharing oyster-related recipes, tips, and insights on their website under a segment named “The University of O.” Under the notable leadership of Tal Petty, the Hollywood Oyster Company fosters long-term supplier relationships, ensuring consistency and reliability.

Other Oysters From Hollywood Oyster Company

• Hollywood Oysters
• Va Va Voom Oysters

Sweet Jesus Oysters Information

Oyster: Sweet Jesus

Species: Crassostrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: 18-24 months in off-Bottom Cages Patuxent River within the Chesapeake Bay area

Seasonality: Year – Round

Size: Average 3.25″

Culture Method: Oyster seed raised in an onsite hatchery.

Salinity: 15-20 ppt

Appearance: their deep cups and the coloring of their shells. The shells have a gleaming opalescent to ivory-white color, resulting from meticulous tumbling.

Flavor Profile: flintiness and a crisp finish, with some descriptions also noting a sweet, creamy flavor, all enhanced by the conditions of the Chesapeake Bay.

Location

The Hollywood Oyster Company is located in Southern Maryland, specifically in Hollywood, on the banks of the Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

• Champagne: Champagne is a classic pairing with seafood and tastes incredibly delicious with oysters. The yeasty, bready flavor of champagne adds some depth to the pairing, and the bubbles provide a textural contrast against the smooth texture of oysters.
• Muscadet: Muscadet is a classic pairing for oysters, and white wines high in acidity and minerality generally pair well with high-salinity Atlantic oysters like Sweet Jesus oysters.
• Stout: Stouts pair well with various kinds of oysters, raw and oyster po’ boy or oyster stew. Stouts are among the few beverages that go well with similar creamy flavors and opposites like spicy and salty.
• Cider: Cider is another favorite drink to pair with oysters, especially Foggy Ridge Serious Cider. It is light and refreshing and compliments the salty nature of oysters.
• Negroni Sbagliato: This cocktail is bubbly, lightly bitter, and not too sweet, which pairs well with just about any oyster.
• Gin Martini: A gin martini is a refreshing cocktail with a low ABV that pairs well with oysters on hot and sunny days.

Where Can I Buy Sweet Jesus Oysters

• Hollywood Oyster Company: You can buy Sweet Jesus oysters directly from the Hollywood Oyster Company website. 
• Supreme Lobster: You can buy Sweet Jesus oysters from the Supreme Lobster website. They grow their oysters from 1mm seed in their on-farm nursery to 3” market size.
• Shopmyexchange: You can buy Hollywood Oyster Co. Fresh Premium Sweet Jesus Oysters 50 Ct., 2.5 Oz—each from Shopmyexchange.com.