Treasure Cove Oysters

Treasure Cove Oysters emerge from the serene waters of Case Inlet, nestled within Puget Sound. With a vision to cultivate premium oysters, the Riley family embarked on this journey in 1991, laying the foundation for a renowned oyster farm.

Treasure Cove Oysters are distinguished by their cultivation process. They undergo a tide-tumbling method before finishing on the beaches. This technique enhances their texture and imbues them with a moderate salinity and a small, manageable size. The waters of Puget Sound complement this semi-tumbled cultivation. The result is an oyster that offers a distinct taste experience, celebrated by enthusiasts and chefs.

How Did They Get Their Name?

The name “Treasure Cove Oysters” derrives from the location where these Pacific oysters spawn. Which is near Treasure Island in the Case Inlet of Puget Sound. The choice of name reflects these oysters’ unique and valuable nature, akin to discovering treasure. The Riley family, who planted their first oyster and clam beds in 1991, chose the name to signify the premium quality and distinct characteristics of the oysters grown in this location. 

This naming highlights the geographical significance and the family’s vision and pride in their oyster cultivation efforts, emphasizing the exceptional experience that Treasure Cove Oysters offer.

About Emerald Acres Oyster Farm

Emerald Acres Oyster Farm, the birthplace of the Treasure Cove Oyster, offers incredible views of the South Sound. It is just about 90 minutes from Seattle. Puget Sound, specifically Case Inlet’s nutrient-rich waters, creates a perfect environment for Pacific oysters.

Kevin Riley’s journey into oyster farming represents a significant shift from his previous career in technology to a passion-driven venture in aquaculture. He built his business from the ground up, establishing connections with some of Seattle’s top chefs and prestigious seafood markets. The famous Pike Place Fish Market has even featured his Treasure Cove oysters. However, the pandemic posed a challenge to the business, dramatically dropping customers. In response, Kevin discovered Hipcamp, a platform similar to Airbnb but for camping and outdoor experiences, which helped sustain the farm through difficult times.

The farm utilizes tumbling and beach rolling methods to cultivate the Treasure Cove Oysters, resulting in a unique deep, cupped, smooth-shelled oyster. These oysters have soft, plump meat and salty-sweet flavor with a clean finish, making them a favorite among oyster enthusiasts. 

Through Hipcamp, Kevin Riley has been able to share the beauty and bounty of Emerald Acres Oyster Farm with visitors, offering them a chance to enjoy oyster feasts by the campfire and learn about the oyster farming process directly from him.

Connect with Emerald Acres Oyster Farm on social media to learn more about the incredible story behind Treasure Cove oysters and where the magic happens. Follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the farm, see beautiful photos of the oysters and the stunning Puget Sound scenery, and stay up-to-date on any news or events.

For even more information, visit the Emerald Acres Oyster Farm website. There, you can learn about their sustainable farming practices, the unique cultivation methods used for Treasure Cove oysters, and the history of the farm and the Riley family. You may even discover new ways to enjoy these delectable oysters or where to taste them.

Treasure Cove Oysters Information

Oyster: Treasure Cove

Species: Crassostrea gigas

Cultivation Method:  Partial tumble method that help shape and clean them, but not to the extent of fully tumbled oysters.

Seasonality: Year-round

Size: 2″

Culture Method: These oysters are tide-tumbled and then finished on the beaches of Case Inlet, near Treasure Island. This method involves the oysters being agitated by the tides, which promotes a deeper cup and a smoother shell.

Salinity: 20-26 ppt

Appearance:  Clean, sturdy, thick, resilient shells with fluted tips. The shell is rippled and smooth with black, red, and greenish-brown tones. The meat is plump and in a pool of liquor. 

Flavor Profile: Distinctive sweet-salty flavor, surprisingly refreshing and clean. They offer a fat mouthful of perfect brine and an intensely sweet finish.

Location

Southern Puget Sound, Washington, is where they cultivate Treasure Cove Oysters, specifically in the waters of the Case Inlet.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

Certainly! Here are five more unique beer and wine pairings to enjoy with your Treasure Cove oysters:

1. Creature Comforts Tropicália IPA – This tropical IPA from Athens, Georgia, has bright notes of passionfruit, papaya and grapefruit. The fruity hops complement the oyster’s brininess, while the effervescence cleanses the palate between bites.

2. Scribe Winery Skin-Fermented Chardonnay – This unique orange wine from Sonoma, California, is made by fermenting Chardonnay grapes on their skins. Its savory, nutty character and tannic structure complement the oysters’ rich flavor. The wine’s salinity also mirrors the oysters’ brine.

3. Creature Comforts Athena Berliner Weisse – Another great option from this Athens brewery, Athena is a tart, low-ABV wheat beer. Its lemony acidity and crisp, dry finish cut through the oysters’ creaminess. Add a splash of woodruff or raspberry syrup for a sweet-tart kick.

4. Txakolina—This spritz, high-acid white wine from Spain’s Basque Country, is ideal for oysters. Its slight effervescence and citrusy, saline character complement the oysters’ flavor. Look for producers like Ameztoi or Txomin Etxaniz.

5. The Wild Beer Co. Epic Saison – This complex farmhouse ale from England is a brew with foraged herbs and aged in oak barrels. The beer’s herbal, peppery notes enhance the oysters’ vegetal flavors, while its dry finish keeps things refreshing. The hint of acidity also provides a nice counterpoint to the oysters’ richness.

Where Can I Buy Treasure Cove Oysters?

1. Pike Place Fish Market – They ship live Treasure Cove oysters by the dozen nationwide through Goldbelly. The oysters are available for online ordering and delivery.
2. Emerald Acres Oyster Farm – This is the home of the Treasure Cove oyster, where they are cultivated in the waters of Southern Puget Sound, Washington. While they don’t specify direct sales, the farm is the source of these oysters.