Umami Oysters

Umami oysters stand out in the world of bivalves for their distinctive flavor profile. These oysters deliver a rich, savory taste that lingers on the palate, embodying the essence of the fifth basic taste known as umami. Their unique flavor comes from high concentrations of glutamates, which create a meaty, broth-like quality that sets them apart from their briny or sweet counterparts.

The cultivation process of umami oysters contributes significantly to their exceptional taste. Farmers carefully select growing locations with specific water conditions and algae compositions that enhance the oysters’ umami characteristics. This meticulous approach results in a product that consistently delivers a robust, complex flavor experience sought after by oyster connoisseurs and chefs alike.

Umami oysters offer versatility in culinary applications that surpass traditional oyster preparations. Their intense flavor holds up well to cooking, making them ideal for grilling, baking, or incorporating into rich sauces. Chefs prize these oysters for their ability to elevate dishes with a depth of flavor that complements a wide range of ingredients, from earthy mushrooms to aged cheeses.

How Did Umami Oysters Get Their Name?

Umami oysters got their name from their distinctive savory taste, embodying umami’s essence. Umami, the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, is rich, meaty, and brothy.

The term “umami” comes from Japanese and was first scientifically identified in 1908 by Professor Kikunae Ikeda. It means “taste sensation” and is often referred to as “savory” or “meaty” in Western cultures.

About Salt Water Farms

Salt Water Farms LLC, a second-generation Rhode Island shellfish farming company founded by the Silkes family, operates in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. Their main farm is off Aquidneck Island in the East Pass of Narragansett Bay, utilizing innovative deep-water farming techniques in about 50 feet of water. They employ long-line technology to grow bivalve shellfish suspended in trays in mid-water, allowing oysters to feed on abundant nutrients throughout their lives.

The company is renowned for producing several oyster varieties, including Quonset Point, Beaver Tails, Newport Cups, and Umami Oysters. They also offer a limited supply of Blue Gold mussels. Salt Water Farms is committed to growing high-quality shellfish using cutting-edge mariculture techniques, focusing on sustainable aquaculture practices that improve water clarity and remove excess nitrogen from the ecosystem.

Salt Water Farms’ environmentally conscious approach eschews artificial diets and antibiotics in farming. Their products, known for their quality and sustainability, are sold exclusively through American Mussel Harvesters, Inc. This distribution partnership allows Salt Water Farms to maintain its focus on innovative and sustainable oyster production in the nutrient-rich waters of Rhode Island, cementing its position as a leader in the local aquaculture industry.

Discover fresh, sustainable oysters! Visit Salt Water Farms’ website and follow them on social media for the latest harvests and farm updates.

• Facebook
• X

Umami Oysters Information

Oyster: Umami Oysters

Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster)

Cultivation Method: Farmed for 12-36 months

Size: 2.50-3 inches

Seasonality: Available all year long

Culture Method: Suspended / Long-line suspension trays

Salinity: 24-32 ppt

Appearance: Small teardrop-shaped shells with medium cups. They have clean, white shells with brown to black coloration.

Flavor Profile: an intensely savory and sweet flavor profile with a creamy texture and pleasant saltiness. They offer a characteristic Rhode Island combination of brine and hints of sweetness, culminating in a rich finish that gives them their name. The taste experience is full of spirit and refinement, providing a pseudo-tactile sensation that pampers the taste buds.

Location

Saltwater farms cultivate oysters in the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.

The East Passage of Narragansett Bay offers several environmental factors that support optimal oyster growth. The area is characterized by strong tidal waters, with depths reaching up to 50 feet. This deep-water environment and powerful currents ensure a constant flow of nutrient-rich water over the oyster cages.

One of the most significant factors contributing to the oysters’ growth and flavor is the abundance of plankton in these waters. The strong tides wash billions of microscopic plankton over the long-line suspended oyster cages, providing a consistent and rich food source for the oysters. This plentiful diet contributes to the oysters’ unique taste and texture.

The salinity of the East Passage also plays a crucial role in developing Umami oysters. This relatively high salinity contributes to the oysters’ briny flavor and supports their growth. The combination of these environmental factors – deep water, strong tides, abundant plankton, and optimal salinity – makes the East Passage of Narragansett Bay an ideal location for cultivating the distinctive Umami oysters.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Coates & Seely Brut Reserve, England – This sparkling wine offers beautiful apple and lemon-curd aromas with honey-dew melon undertones. Its full-bodied nature, layered texture, and creamy finish complement the oysters’ savory and sweet flavor.
2. Dogfish Head 60-Minute IPA – This East Coast-style IPA’s spicy, citrusy hop character pairs well with the salty oyster meat. Its malt sweetness balances the oyster’s salinity while the active carbonation cleanses the palate.
3. Boon Gueuze – This balanced Belgian gueuze offers acidity that contrasts nicely with the saltiness and light richness of the oysters. The beer’s sourness makes the sweet, delicate oyster meat pop, creating a harmonious pairing.
4. Loveland Aleworks Saison – The peppery notes in this saison complement the saltiness of the oyster liquor. At the same time, its touch of sweet biscuit flavors enhances the natural sweetness of the oyster meat. The high carbonation and dry finish help cleanse the palate.
5. Eagle Rock Brewery ‘Solidarity’ Black Mild Ale – This bone-dry, chocolate-forward ale provides a beautiful counterpart to the briny oysters. The beer’s dark chocolate and char flavors create a flattering contrast with the abundant sea-water brine of the oysters.

Where Can I Buy Umami Oysters?

1. American Mussel Harvesters – American Mussel Harvesters offers Umami Oysters in 25-count packages for $31.25. They describe it as an exclusive oyster from Salt Water Farms in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island.
2. The Lobster Man – The Lobster Man sells Umami Oysters, describing them as distinctive and intriguing oysters from Cocagne, New Brunswick, Canada.
3. Seacore Seafood Inc. -Seacore Seafood Inc. lists Umami Oysters in their product catalog. They classify it as a sustainable, farmed seafood using suspended culture methods.