Checklist for Buying Fresh Oysters

Kristen Cockrell

When buying oysters, ensuring quality and safety is critical. Use this checklist to confidently select oysters that are flavorful, safe, and worth your money: Inspect the Shells: Choose oysters with tightly closed, intact shells. Slightly...

Cold Chain Basics for Oyster Farming

Kristen Cockrell

In oyster farming, keeping oysters at the right temperature is essential for freshness and safety. Here's a quick breakdown of how cold chain management works from harvest to delivery: Harvest Cooling: Oysters are chilled immediately...

Essential Guide to Virginia Oyster Varieties

Kristen Cockrell

Virginia oysters are famous for their unique flavors, shaped by the waters they grow in - called "merroir." The state produces over 40 million oysters annually, offering a wide range of taste profiles from salty...

How to Check Oyster Meat Quality at Home

Kristen Cockrell

Inspect the Shell Look for tightly closed, clean, and undamaged shells. Tap slightly open shells - if they don’t close, discard them. Check the Liquid Fresh oysters have clear, salty liquid. Cloudy, murky, or no...

Virginia Oyster Harvest Seasons Explained

Kristen Cockrell

Virginia's oyster harvest seasons are carefully managed to protect oyster populations and ensure safe, sustainable seafood. Here's what you need to know: Blackberry® Reserve Oysters: Premium, large, meaty oysters available only from October to May...

How Oysters Filter Water in Virginia Rivers

Kristen Cockrell

Oysters are nature’s water purifiers, filtering up to 50 gallons of water daily per oyster. They remove excess nutrients, sediments, and pollutants, improving water clarity and supporting aquatic ecosystems. Despite only 1% of the original...