Totten Inlet Oysters

Totten Inlet Oysters, hailing from the pristine waters of Washington State, stand out as a classic West Coast delicacy. These oysters boast a unique flavor profile, characterized by a medium brine with sweet watermelon accents, making them a favorite among oyster aficionados. Their beautifully ridged shells encase plump, creamy meats, offering a mouthful of creamy goodness that’s hard to resist. With an average size of 3 to 3.25 inches and a relatively deep cup, Totten Inlet Oysters provide a satisfyingly substantial bite. They are beach-grown, a method that promotes hard shells and contributes to their hearty nature, making them a delight to shuck and enjoy.

The Totten Inlet also gives rise to the Totten Inlet Virginica Oysters, a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity. These oysters are a fusion of East and West, bringing the firm texture and whole meats of the Virginica species to the Pacific Coast. Their flavor is crisp, with a firm texture and heavy briny flavors that transition to a buttery taste, ending with a hint of sweetness. This distinct taste profile has even earned them the title of Best Flavor in competitions, highlighting their exceptional quality. Available year-round, these oysters are perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, and can be enjoyed on the half shell or grilled with your favorite toppings.

About Taylor Shellfish Farms

Taylor Shellfish Farms has a rich history that dates back to 1890 when the Taylor family began farming shellfish in the waters of the Puget Sound. The family’s legacy started with the tiny Olympia Oyster in Totten Inlet, and every generation since has grown up with a passion for shellfish.

The company, in its current form, was started in 1969 as Taylor United by brothers Edwin and Justin Taylor, grandsons of James Y. Waldrip, an early Washingtonian who came to Seattle to work rebuilding after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Justin Taylor, in particular, saw the potential of Puget Sound for a thriving shellfish farming community and was a strong advocate for water quality and an innovator of farming techniques.

Over the last thirty years, the company has expanded its product line to include geoduck, mussels, and a variety of half-shell oysters. Bill and Paul Taylor and their brother-in-law, Jeff Pearson, lead the company with a family-oriented approach. They have built a team of over 500 committed employees, including their children.

Taylor Shellfish Farms is now the largest producer of farmed shellfish in the U.S., with over 11,000 acres of tidelands along the Washington and B.C. coasts. The company protects the waters where its shellfish thrive and supports local farming communities.

You can reach Taylor Shellfish Farms on their company website. You can also contact them on social media: Facebook, X , Instagram, or Pinterest!

Totten Inlet Oysters Information

Oyster: Totten Inlet

Species: Crassostrea gigas

Cultivation Method: Farmed cultivated over approximately two years before they reach market size. This grow-out period allows them to develop their signature flavor.

Culture Method: Beach Grown. This technique involves raising oysters on tidal beaches with sandy or rocky bottoms. The oysters experience the full force of the tides, which plays a crucial role in their development.

Seasonality: Year-Round

Size: 2.75″

Salinity:  28-32 ppt

Appearance: Totten Inlet Oysters are visually striking, showcasing beautifully ridged, fluted shells that hint at their beach-grown heritage. Their medium to deep cups are desirable as they indicate a generous meat-to-shell ratio. The shells can vary in color, displaying a mix of white, gray, and sometimes green hues. Inside, the oysters have plump, creamy meats that are a testament to their nutrient-rich environment

Flavor Profile: Plump, creamy meats that deliver a medium brininess alongside a complex, full-flavored seaweed taste with a hint of watermelon. Their signature melon and seaweed flavors create a bright and clean flavor profile.

Location

Taylor Shellfish cultivates Totten Inlet Oysters in the rich waters of Totten Inlet. It’s located in the South Puget Sound region of Washington State. This area is part of their extensive farming operations across the Pacific Northwest. This also includes Hood Canal, Samish Bay, and Willapa Bay.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux 2019 Chablis – This Chablis’s crisp acidity and mineral notes will enhance the brininess of Totten Inlet Oysters, creating a harmonious balance between the wine and the oyster’s natural flavors. The wine’s subtle citrus notes can also highlight the oyster’s sweetness.
2. Pascal Jolivet 2020 Sancerre – Sancerre has high acidity and a citrusy profile. With hints of minerality, make it an excellent match for Totten Inlet Oysters. The wine’s crispness will cut through the creaminess of the oysters, while its minerality complements their seaweed notes.
3. Guinness Draught Stout – Guinness’s creamy, smooth texture, with its roasted malt and slight coffee notes. This is a delightful contrast to Totten Inlet Oysters’ briny, sweet flavors. The stout’s richness pairs well with the oyster’s texture, creating a surprisingly balanced combination.
4. Hendricks Gin Martini – A classic gin martini made with Hendricks. It’s known for its cucumber and rose petal notes, which can accentuate the melon accents in Totten Inlet Oysters. The martini’s dryness and botanicals provide a refreshing counterpoint to the oyster’s salinity and creaminess.
5. Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne – The effervescence and acidity of this Champagne cut through the richness of the oysters. While its bready, yeasty notes complement the oyster’s oceanic flavors. The pairing is classic, elevating the experience of both the oysters and the Champagne.

Where Can I Buy Totten Inlet Oysters?

• Taylor Shellfish Farms – They offer Totten Inlet Virginica Oysters, known for their crisp texture and heavy briny flavors.
• Seafoods of the World – Lists Fresh Totten Inlet Oysters among their products, available online.
• Cali Crab Feeds – Sells Totten Oysters, highlighting their clean, crisp taste and plump, meaty texture.