Seasonal Pairing Ideas for Blackberry® Reserve Oysters

Kristen Cockrell

Blackberry® Reserve Oysters, harvested from Virginia's Little Wicomico River, are a seasonal delight available from October to March. Their sweet, buttery taste with a crisp, briny finish makes them ideal for pairing with beverages like...

Virginia Oysters and Champagne: Perfect Pairing Guide

Kristen Cockrell

Few pairings are as timeless as Virginia oysters and champagne. The crisp acidity and bubbles of champagne complement the briny, mineral-rich flavors of oysters, creating a perfect balance. Virginia oysters, harvested from the Chesapeake Bay,...

How to Shuck and Cook Oysters at Home

Kristen Cockrell

Shucking and cooking oysters at home is easier than you think and offers several benefits: it's less expensive than dining out, ensures maximum freshness, and allows you to customize flavors. With the right tools -...

How Seasons Shape Oyster Flavor

Kristen Cockrell

Oyster flavor changes with the seasons due to shifts in water temperature, salinity, and algae availability. These factors influence their taste, texture, and growth. For example: Winter (October–March): Oysters like Blackberry® Reserve are sweeter and...

Virginia Oyster Farming: Seasonal Sustainability Tips

Kristen Cockrell

Virginia leads the East Coast in oyster farming, producing over 40 million oysters annually. This industry not only supports local economies but also helps improve water quality, as each oyster filters up to 50 gallons...

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...