Whitecap Oysters

Whitecap oysters are Crassostrea virginica oysters that spawn in different locations in the United States and Canada. Known for their clean, balanced brine and plump meats, whitecap oysters are famous for oyster lovers. This blog post will explore the critical details about whitecap oysters, including their size, flavor profile, growout method, location, and the farm Davenport Oyster Company.

If you want to expand your knowledge of oysters, whitecap oysters are a great place to start. With their unique flavor profile and growing methods, whitecap oysters offer a glimpse into the world of oyster farming. This post will delve into the details of whitecap oysters, including their species, size, and location. Whether you are a chef, a food blogger, or simply an oyster enthusiast, this post will provide the information you need to appreciate the beauty and complexity of whitecap oysters.

About Davenport Oyster Company

Davenport Oyster Company is a whitecap oyster grower in Dennis, MA. The company is owned and operated by Jamie Davenport. In 2008, the farm purchased 200,000 oyster seeds per year from a single seed hatchery, had no employees, and generated sales below six figures. In addition to growing oysters, Davenport Oyster Company has also launched a marketplace, oyster bar, and seafood take-out spot on weekends.

The owners of Davenport Oyster Company, Jamie Davenport and Greg Wallingford, have explained that the oyster farm project will provide several ecological and economic benefits to the area and an educational resource for schoolchildren and other visitors in this coastal town.

 The company uses the rack-and-bag culture method, a type of off-bottom culture method, to produce environmentally sustainable, high-quality oysters. Davenport Oyster Company is committed to perfecting its craft and growing the finest oysters in the pristine waters of Dennis, MA.  

Whitecap Oysters Information

Oyster: Whitecap

Species: Crassosstrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: Rack and Bag method 16-20 months.

Seasonality: Sept. to Jan

Size: 2.75 – 3 “

Culture Method: Off-bottom culture method, precisely the rack-and-bag culture method. This method starts oyster seed in mesh bags on steel racks. Once the oysters reach a size of around 1 inch, we transfer them to Aquatrays for continued growth and regularly rotate them.

Salinity: 29 ppt

Appearance: Average size with a deep cupped shell and white to light brown color.

Flavor Profile: A medium brine plump meats and a clean finish. They boast a buttery texture and briny finish.

Location

Whitecap oysters in Dennis, Massachusetts, specifically in Cape Cod Bay.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Juicy New England IPAs: The bitterness of an IPA can complement the salty flavor of oysters, while the fruitiness can balance the saltiness.
2. Pilsner: A pilsner’s light and crisp flavor can provide a refreshing contrast to the salty taste of these oysters.
3. Gueuze: The effervescence of a gueuze can cleanse the palate between bites of briny oysters, while its sour and funky flavor complements their taste.
4. Belhaven Scottish Stout: The creamy texture of Scottish stout complements the buttery texture of the oysters, while its roasted malt flavors contrast the oysters’ salty taste.
5. Left Hand Milk Stout: A milk stout can complement these oysters’ buttery texture with its sweet, creamy flavor, while its roasted malt flavors contrast the briny taste.
6. Dupont Saison: The effervescence of a Saison can cleanse the palate between bites of briny oysters, while its spicy and fruity flavor provides a contrasting taste.

Where Can I Buy Whitecap Oysters?

1. Pangea Shellfish Company: Pangea Shellfish Company offers oysters for sale online.
2. FromtheFarm: FromtheFarm is an online marketplace that offers oysters for sale.
3. Whitecap Seafoods: Whitecap Seafoods is a seafood company located in Eastern Canada that offers a variety of shellfish, including oysters. They do not specifically mention whitecap oysters on their website, but it may be worth contacting them to inquire.
4. Local fish markets: Local fish markets, such as White Cap Fish Market in Islip, NY, may carry whitecap oysters. We recommend to call ahead to check availability.