Cook live oysters or clams in boiling water for four to five minutes after shells open. Many recognize these Virginia foods but don’t know the origin or how they became a tradition on our tables. Virginia’s seafood industry is one of the oldest and largest in the U.S., and the state is the top oyster producer on the East Coast. Those oysters are not very salty, thanks to the low salinity, but they can be beautifully balanced. Annual Oyster Festival: Virginia Living Museum Oyster Roast in Newport News and the Oyster and South Festival in Chesapeake. Suggested Wine Pairing: Williamsburg Winery—Acte 12 A quick glance at a U.S. map makes it obvious that the Chesapeake Bay—the nation’s largest estuary—is like no other in the country. Photo Credit: Todd Wright, IG account: @toddwrightphoto. Where To Find Them. A single oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water per day. For oysters and clams in the shell: Do not cook too many oysters or clams in the same pot because the ones in the middle might not get fully cooked. Rappahannock Oyster Co. Awesome article it was exceptionally helpful I simply began in this and I’m becoming more acquainted with it better! Virginia's growing the best tasting oysters on the East Coast! Flavor: Salty oyster with sweetness and a smooth finish. Oyster - Wikipedia Oyster Stew for One or Two This is a quick and simple recipe for oyster stew, perfect for dinner for two with thick Page 2/8. oysters used to be dredged with sailboats Source: Popular Science Monthly, The Natural History of the Oyster (November 1874) and National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network A female oyster might release 20 million eggs in one spawning, but the vast majority will be eaten or land on a soft surface or shifting sand (where they die). Please select any topic that interests you! This used to be the case, but in modern times, not as much of an issue. Where They Are Found: From Craddockville to Cape Charles along the bay side of the Eastern Shore. File Type PDF Oyster slices of buttered toast; or just eat the entire pot by yourself if you're especially hungry! Find out why Virginia is for Lovers. Today, these efforts have led to a sort of oyster renaissance in Virginia, and you can find plump, mouthwatering examples of their success at restaurants throughout the East Coast. Learn more about oyster types with this 9-page article and glossary of oyster facts, terms, definitions and general information. So go ahead, do a taste test to find your favorite Virginia oyster flavor! Photo: Virginia Sea Grant/Dennis. Suggested Wine Pairing: Pearmund Cellars—Old Vine Chardonnay Oysters flourished so thickly along its fractured coasts and warm waters that they presented a shipping hazard, and they grew plump and sweet—famously sweet. Common Types: Fleet Island Oysters, Bevans Oysters, Little Wicomico Oysters, Deltaville Oysters, Schooners, Skipjacks, Windmill Point, Potomac Whitecaps Where They Are Found: From south of Yorktown to Virginia Beach along the shore. The watermen of Virginia have been harvesting oysters in their respective regions for generations, passing down their knowledge to the younger family members as they learn new tricks of the trade. Spend a weekend eating plump and perfect specimens—and even learning to harvest them. There’s always more to LOVE in Virginia. The Shellfish Company is a seafood market in Virginia Beach, affiliated with Bubba's Seafood Restaurant & Crabhouse, that caters to all seafood-lovers. J&W Seafood is a Grower, Packer and Shipper of Chesapeake Bay Oysters. The VMRC's Engineering and Surveying Department surveys and maps oyster grounds, issues leases, and maintains lease records. Store them in the back of the fridge and they’ll hold up to three days. It is an ideal getaway destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culinary travelers with its best-known attractions -the sister islands of Assateague and Chincoteague. ● Virginia Economic Development Partnership visit www.VEDP.org. Oysters. J&W Seafood is a Grower, Packer and Shipper of Chesapeake Bay Oysters. Virginia is the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, with over 40 million oysters sold each year since 2016, and if you have ever had a Virginia oyster, you know what all the fuss is about. Flavor: Lightly salty with easily distinguished cream or butter and a pleasant slight minerality. Among the most popular are Alabama Gulf (from Bayou La Batre and Mobile Bay), Chesapeake Bay (from Maryland and Virginia), Malpeque (from Prince Edward Island), and Wellfleet (from Cape Cod, Massachusetts). The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a 70-mile peninsula off Virginia's coast, surrounded by the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Love reading your articles, they always have the best recommendations for my taste, […] Terry McAuliffe announced Tangier Island as the eighth official oyster region of Virginia. Oyster leases are issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Virginia is the nation’s third largest seafood producer and the largest on America’s Atlantic Coast. Shucks Raw Bar in Norfolk For Virginia citizen and business services visit www.Virginia.gov. Individuals involved in this activity include non-commercial gardeners, traditional watermen and members of the well-established hard clam aquaculture industry. There are many more oyster festivals,  restaurants, and tours throughout the Commonwealth, and if you consider yourself a true oyster aficionado, use this article as a must-visit checklist rather than just a resource for dinner. An Oyster Lover’s Guide to Northern Neck, Virginia Wild-oyster season kicks off in the fall on Virginia’s Northern Neck. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. Hoopers Island Oyster Co. grows natural triploid oysters. Sample oysters fresh from the waters. Learn more about types of oyster species with this 9-page article and glossary of oyster facts, terms, definitions and general information. With this growing skill set, harvesting the best oysters is second nature to the latest generations of Virginia watermen. Put oysters back in the bag, cup-side down so the liquor doesn’t leak. Very helpful – Now I want to take the tour! James River, Virginia Choptank Sweet Choptank River, Chesapeake Bay Rappahannock River Rappahannock River, Virginia Potomac Whitecap Chesapeake Bay Thirty-Eight Degrees North Chesapeake Bay Pleasure House Lynnhaven River, Virginia Little Bitches Magothy Bay, Virginia Virginia boasts eight oyster regions that produce eight distinctive flavors. To explore the oyster region, try the Virginia Oyster Trail. Oysters taste best waterside in Virginia, but this internationally distributed delicacy delivers notes of bay breezes, salt water, sunshine and dockside views no matter where they’re enjoyed. , 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219, For Virginia citizen and business services visit, Virginia Economic Development Partnership visit, Southwest Virginia - Blue Ridge Highlands, Inside the Kitchen with Chef Truman Jones of The Tides Inn, Supporting Virginia’s Watermen: Order Virginia Oysters for Delivery & Pickup, Date Night Ideas: Romantic Restaurants in Virginia, Your Guide To Some of the Best Virginia Beach Restaurants, Celebrating Virginia’s Bounty: Harvest Dinners, Parties, and Festivals, Trip Ideas for your Next Wine & Dine Getaway, What’s New in Virginia for 2019 (& the Hottest New Destinations for 2018! The water conditions and the low population along the Bay created an ideal balance for the oysters to grow uninhibited. So how is each unique? We have refrigerations now. The mild flavor of Blue Point oysters make them the perfect beginner oyster, and they tend to pair well with the stronger, spicier flavors of cocktail sauce. After centuries of overharvesting left the wild population depleted, it has bounced back in the past few years. Annual Chincoteague Island Oyster Festival, Cape Charles Historical Society Oyster Roast, Reedville Fishermen’s Museum Oyster Roast, Oyster Roast at the Freight Shed with Bluegrass, Virginia Watermen’s Heritage Tour Program, 10 Must Do Hikes in Shenandoah National Park, 8 Exclusive Luxury Retreats For a Pampered Virginia Getaway, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Norfolk to Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Virginia’s Charming Main Streets That Are Decked Out for the Holidays, 22 Virginia Small Towns You’re Going to LOVE, WanderLove: A Road Trip From Fredericksburg To Virginia’s Northern Neck, Winter at the Wineries: Cozy Vineyards With Heated Outdoor Seating, 20 Virginia Summits with 360 Degree Views, 10 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations in Virginia for a Luxury Outdoor Experience, Hiking with Kids: 10 Trails for Beginners in Virginia, WanderLove: A Road Trip Along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway, http://www.thekitchn.com/myth-busting-what-time-of-year-is-it-safe-to-eat-oysters-223123, 2016 in Review: Virginia’s Biggest Travel News, Chincoteague VA: Planning One Perfect Day in this Beachside Town. Plus exclusive offers, deals, packages and more! 2 oz. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, they aim to re-establish this keystone species in waterways throughout coastal Virginia. We carry both shucked and unshucked, wild and farmed. For example, since 2011, NOAA has worked with partners to restore nearly 800 acres of oyster reef in Maryland and nearly 200 acres in Virginia. It is only with a healthy Chesapeake oyster population that a restored Bay is possible. The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)—also called Wellfleet oyster, Atlantic oyster, Virginia oyster, or American oyster—is a species of true oyster native to the eastern seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of North America.It is also farmed in Puget Sound, Washington, where it is known as the Totten Inlet Virginica. Virginia is known for its southern-style fare including oysters, peanuts, BBQ, country ham, blue crabs, trout, apples, and Brunswick stew. The best food tells a story of the place it is from. Common Types: Pungoteague Creek, Battle Creek, Dixie Belles Types of Atlantic Oysters. Suggested Wine Pairing: Cardinal Point—Green Food, Oysters, Travel Ideas / August 5, 2016 by Patricia Keppel / 11 Comments Updated: Jan 26, 2021. Best Oysters in Virginia Beach, Virginia: Find 35,040 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of THE BEST Oysters and search by price, location, and more. Where They Are Found: The mouth of the Rappahannock River. Species: Crassostrea virginica (Virginicas, East Coast oyster, Virginia oyster, Atlantic oyster) The East Coast oyster is the most popular of all types of oysters — according to the Smithsonian Marine Station, around 22 million pounds of these oysters are harvested a year. Who’s serving oysters by flavor region: Region 1 - Seaside Region 2 - Upper Bay Eastern Shore Region 3 - Lower Bay Eastern Shore Region 4 - Upper Bay Western Shore Region 5 - Middle Bay Western Shore Region 6 - Lower Bay Western Shore Region 7 - Tidewater Region 8 - Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay. In some species, the valves are highly calcified, and many are somewhat irregular in shape. Order Them Here: Aberdeen Barn and the Fat Tuna in Williamsburg, Catch 31 in Virginia Beach Find where to buy, oyster recipes, or info on VA's high quality and sustainability standards. This system reduces pressure on certain harvest bars by only opening them to harvest once every three years. Order Them Here: The Oyster Farm at Kings Creek in Cape Charles and Burger Bach in Richmond Sign up for Virginia is for Lovers Emails now! There are over 150 varieties of oysters harvested and sold in North America, yet they comprise a total of only 5 species of oysters. Private funding was mobilized to re-establish oyster populations in selected locations, by creating leaseholders of "private rocks." How are mussels cultivated? Learn how farmed oysters promote the health of wild oysters. And…..don’t overlook DREDGE in Irvington! There are many types of oysters, however, “true” oysters are only those in the family Ostreidae. The brood stock manager, a woman known locally as "Oystermama," added some fun to the job by selecting different types of music to play in the spawning laboratory, finishing the spawning season with Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On." Annual  Oyster Festival: Oyster Roast at the Freight Shed with Bluegrass in Yorktown. Eastern oysters grow to three to five inches in length, but can reach a length of eight inches. An oyster lease is an agreement between the state and Virginia residents or companies that are at least 60% Virginia owned to cultivate shellfish on grounds of up to 250 acres per application. Flavor: Salty and creamy with mellow sweetness with a quick finish. Many people are shocked to learn that Bluepoints and Wellfleets, Malpeques and Beausoleils are all Crassostrea virginicas, as are some 85% of oysters harvested in the U.S., including most of those in the Gulf of Mexico. ), Small Town Love: Visit Irvington in Virginia’s River Realm, Livin’ Like a Local – NASCAR Drivers’ Richmond Favorites. Water is way too warm for eating raw oysters! Oyster Restoration in Virginia. Faded Glory Tour at the Hope & Glory Inn—Irvington These Eastern oysters have been very popular commercially and still seem to hold that very reputation. The flavor of Virginia’s Oyster is unique to the region (a concept called “merroir,” similar to the wine concept “terroir”). Order Them Here: Rappahannock Restaurant, Richmond, Brine at Mosaic in Fairfax, and Rocksalt in Charlottesville These exceptional tastes range in salinity, creaminess, and sweetness. Order Them Here: Hank’s Oyster Bar in Alexandria. The Shellfish Company supplies fresh fish, hard-shell and soft-shell crabs (when in season), clams, oysters, shrimp, scallops, calamari, & more! My wife and I will always fondly associate Virginia Beach with Pleasure House Oysters… Virginia initiated a privatization process to lease submerged lands, authorizing individuals and companies to create new oyster reefs. Sign up for the Top Pick Of The Week to get an emailed food review and recipe. The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)—also called the Atlantic oyster, American oyster, or East Coast oyster—is a species of true oyster native to eastern North and South America. Best Oysters in Virginia Beach, Virginia: Find 34,487 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of THE BEST Oysters and search by price, location, and more. Flavor: Traditional Virginia Bay Oyster flavor with a balance of salt and sweet, and a savory butter/cream finish. By the 1980’s, the once-abundant seafood dish became scarce and virtually inedible. Order Them Here: Merroir in Topping and Chesapeake Bay Oyster Company in Wake Celebrating the Chesapeake Bay and its native shellfish since 1899. Since the bay isn’t as rough as the ocean, these do not get the opportunity to be tumbled as often and the shells can be delicate, but the work is worth the reward. Interestingly, this oyster is the ‘state shellfish’ of Connecticut, and the shell of this oyster is considered to be the ‘state shell’ of Mississippi and Virginia. Sign up for the Top Pick Of The Week to get an emailed food review and recipe. Flavor: Mild saltiness moving to a sweet finish. Oysters. Read "Examining bacterial transport in intact cores from Oyster, Virginia: Effect of sedimentary facies type on bacterial breakthrough and retention, Water Resources Research" on DeepDyve, the largest online rental service for scholarly research with thousands of academic publications available at your fingertips. They vary in their adult sizes from those as small as a thumbnail to others as big as a pie plate. For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Some types of oysters are commonly consumed cooked or raw, and in some locales are regarded as a delicacy. Oysters flourished so thickly along its fractured coasts and warm waters that they presented a shipping hazard, and they grew plump and sweet—famously sweet. Marquee Virginia oyster events include the Urbanna Oyster Festival, the Chincoteague Island Oyster Roast, The Merroir and Terroir Oyster Roast and more, even at wineries and breweries. It’s no wonder that Virginia oysters are legendary! Rappahannock River Oysters® (sweet) Rochambeau Oysters™ (mild) Olde Salt Oysters… Official Tourism Website of the Commonwealth of Virginia ● © 2020 Virginia Tourism Corporation, 901 E. Cary St., Suite 900, Richmond, VA 23219 It was a great experience and Captain Chis is a very knowledgeable, passionate and fantastic guide/host/captain. Where They Are Found: Mobjack Bay region and the mouth of the York River. Flavor: Classic Virginia Bay oyster flavor with balanced salt and sweet, with a savory finish. Stand knee-deep in the waters of the Lynnhaven River (don’t worry, they provide the waders to keep your feet dry!) Marquee Virginia oyster events include the Urbanna Oyster Festival, the Chincoteague Island Oyster Roast, The Merroir and Terroir Oyster Roast and more, even at wineries and breweries. Suggested Wine Pairing: Afton Mountain Vineyards—Bollicine Hosted by Captain Chris Ludford, owner and oyster farmer, this is a dining experience you won’t soon forget. They began working to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and reintroduce healthy oysters once the water was clean. Besides providing seafood, oysters make waters healthier. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There’s no “R” in August! Explore The Virginia Oyster Trail— The Virginia Oyster Trail connects producers, farmers, purveyors, seafood restaurants and raw bars in Virginia’s distinctive bay and river towns for an authentic oyster tourism experience. But I will say that the Governor of Virginia is a moron! Sorry, Ben, that is an old wife tell. They continue to grow in oyster baskets. Feature Story Significant Progress for Chesapeake Bay Oyster Reef Restoration—Yes, Even in 2020 They’re also similar to the color of raw oysters. They get their name from their oyster-shaped cap and very short (or completely absent) stem. as you savor oysters plucked right from your feet at the in-water picnic table. In Virginia’s Tennessee River drainage, 31 species are listed as either state or federally threatened and endangered. Featuring the celebrated farms of Rappahannock Oyster Company, the oyster are served to your preference, either raw or cooked on their outdoor grill, then expertly paired with Virginia craft brews and wines. At FultonFishMarket.com, we have several Atlantic oysters to choose from, including the French Kiss, Naked Cowboy, and Pink Moon. Order Them Here: Terrapin Restaurant in Virginia Beach and A.W. I met my first oyster when I was 12 and decided that we would never be friends. keep doing awesome. The Five Types of Oysters by Chef’s Resources . Best Oysters in Northern Virginia, Virginia: Find 34,418 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of THE BEST Oysters and search by price, location, and more. Among these traditional species in order of economic value, are sea scallops, oysters, blue crabs, menhaden, clams, flounder, striped bass, croaker, and spot. Suggested Wine Pairing: Glass House Winery—Viognier The right or top shell is flat, while the left or bottom shell is cupped, with a purple muscle scar on the inside. You can get them straight from the watermen if you […], Your email address will not be published. After fertilization, young Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) float for several weeks until they settle on the bottom of the bay, a tidal river, or along the Atla… Here, page 6: Oyster Types Beginning With J to N. THE NIBBLE, Great Food Finds, is a gourmet food webzine with thousands of product reviews, recipes and articles, including types of oyster. They have two shells connected by a hinge-like ligament. Growing in the world-famous Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, Virginia oysters thrive in eight different regions. Order Them Here: Shagbark in Richmond, In addition to getting them fresh at the locations listed above, you can tour the oyster regions firsthand with one of these seafaring Virginia oyster companies: Common Types: Nassawadox Salts, Henderson Bros. Oysters, Watch House Point, Ruby Salts, Nandua, Sandy Point, Shooting Point A Guide to the 7 Oyster Regions of Virginia Region 1: Seaside Raised on the Atlantic side of Virginia's eastern shore, the full flavored oysters from this region pack an extremely salty punch. 4. Eastern oysters are and have been very popular commercially. Once larvae attach to a substrate, they become seed and are moved to a downweller. The Chesapeake Oyster Alliance is a coalition of non-profits, community organizations, oyster growers, and others committed to adding 10 billion oysters in the Bay by 2025. Once upon a time, the Chesapeake Bay was the Napa Valley of oysters. They are one of the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world. Learn more about oyster types with this 9-page article and glossary of oyster facts, terms, definitions and general information. By 1800, the Blue Point was so popular that seafo… Virginia’s watermen harvest 50 commercially valuable species from some 620,000 acres of water. Unfortunately, 19th century population growth and 20th century pollution drastically affected the oyster beds of the Chesapeake. Serving oysters fresh from the Rappahannock River, farm raised from Windmill Pt Oyster Co and Old Salts from Rappahannock Oyster Co. A must try is Chef Byrd’s Fried Oyster Tacos! European flat oysters: These oysters, originally found in European waters, are cultivated in the United States as well. Other names in local or culinary use include the Wellfleet oyster, Virginia oyster, Malpeque oyster, Blue Point oyster, Chesapeake Bay oyster, and Apalachicola oyster. A restored oyster reef in the Little Choptank River, Maryland, supports a range of other species. Our prime fishing areas include the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries, some of the most productive harvesting grounds in the United States: Large fishing and commercial ports are open year-round assuring buyers a continual supply of fresh and fresh frozen seafood. You’ll get monthly travel inspiration, insider tips, and itineraries to help you plan your best Virginia vacation yet. This is why Virginia is for Oyster Lovers. Suggested Wine Pairing: Dog & Oyster Vineyard—Vidal Blanc Common Types: Sewansecott, Misty Point, Olde Salts, Indian Rock, Broadwater Salts, Ballard/Cherrystone Common Types: Tangier Sound Oysters The oysters harvested here have a traditional bay flavor, balancing salt and sweet […], […] Salts” are one of Virginia’s 8 distinct oyster regions and are named for their bold briny flavor. Suggested Wine Pairing: Chatham Vineyards—Steel Chardonnay A quick glance at a U.S. map makes it obvious that the Chesapeake Bay—the nation’s largest estuary—is like […]  Oyster mushrooms are typically a light grey or greyish-brown color. To ensure there are enough oysters in a tributary to produce a self-sustaining population, these projects are significantly larger than similar projects only a decade ago. Suggested Wine Pairing: Ingleside Vineyards—Albarino With the introduction of the Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay oyster region on July 21, 2016, there are now eight distinct oyster regions in Virginia, each with a unique flavor. Pleasure House Oyster Farm’s Picnic in the Water—Sign up for the Chef’s Table Tour at Pleasure House Oyster Farm. Legend goes that newly arrived colonists came upon some Native Americans roasting oysters on the beach, startled them off, them promptly helped themselves. A waterman measures oyster sizes. Virginia's growing the best tasting oysters on the East Coast! One early Virginia resident noted, “Oysters there be in whole banks and beds, and those of the best. Here, page 4: Oyster Types Beginning With C. THE NIBBLE, Great Food Finds, is a gourmet food webzine with thousands product reviews, including oyster types. I have seen some thirteen inches long.” The conditions of the Bay during that time were perfect for oysters, with the salty Atlantic Ocean water mixing with the freshwater of the rivers that emptied into the Chesapeake Bay. The Virginia oyster tells visitors a story in every shell. Here, page 4: Oyster Types Beginning With C. THE NIBBLE, Great Food Finds, is a gourmet food webzine with thousands product reviews, including oyster types. In the early 2000’s, a group of Virginia watermen, scientists, environmental agencies, and federal officials met to discuss a plan for saving the Bay’s oyster business. Photograph by Terry Manier/Offset Tweet Share. Oyster is the common name for a number of different families of salt-water bivalve molluscs that live in marine or brackish habitats. Merroir’s Outdoor Oyster Grill—Visit Merroir for the ultimate oyster tasting room experience. A genuine Blue Point oyster also has a briny aftertaste. Featured Products. The alliance will work to increase production in Virginia and provide additional support to increase oyster aquaculture in Maryland. Some types of oysters are commonly consumed cooked or raw, and in some locales are regarded as a delicacy. Taste Tidewater Tours—Virginia Beach. Freshwater mussels are mollusks and are similar to their marine clam and oyster cousins. Where They Are Found: Tangier Island and the North Central part of the Chesapeake Bay. intensive oyster aquaculture in Virginia has increased dramatically, and we now estimate that over 2000 separate off-bottom oyster culture operations are underway within the coastal waters of Virginia. But while many people may know how to eat them, not everyone knows what makes the oysters harvested in Virginia so special. The story of Virginia watermen goes back thousands of years to when Native Americans fished the waters of the Bay, but the more recent and notable oyster history can be traced to John Smith and the English settlers that arrived in 1609. While most Virginia waters do not have dangerous levels of contaminants, some fish in certain waters are found to contain contaminants at levels of concern.. A fish consumption advisory is not a prohibition of eating fish, but a warning about the contaminants present in a fish species. The VMRC is responsible for more than 300,000 acres of public ground and more than 100,000 acres of private ground. True bluepoints are raised in Long Island's Great South Bay where they were first found. Written by Brennen Jensen | Photographed by Brennen Jensen | Published on October 10, 2018. Learn more about these Virginia travel pearls below. Steam live oysters or clams four to … Two rough shells enclose its soft body and vary in color from white to gray to tan. Blue Points are best enjoyed from September to July. Virginia's total wild oyster harvests have remained stable at around 600,000 bushels for the past several years, partly due to a rotational harvest system. Virginia's oyster restoration staff is small in number but mighty in effort, enthusiasm, and effectiveness. We are one of the largest lease holders of private oyster beds in Virginia with thousands of acres that allows us to harvest year around. Given their high level of imperilment, a number of states and conservation organizations are trying to recover freshwater mussels by actively propagating them. Fantastic article! Depending on where they are harvested along the shores of Virginia, you may get very differing tastes when dining on oysters from the Bay, even though they are all the same species (Crassostrea Virginica). The clearer, cleaner water can support plentiful underwa… The French Kiss is typically brinier with a finish that is subtly sweet. Here is an article about why eating oysters in months that end in “R” is no longer relevant: http://www.thekitchn.com/myth-busting-what-time-of-year-is-it-safe-to-eat-oysters-223123. Required fields are marked *. Annual Oyster Festival: Urbanna Oyster Festival in Urbanna. Virginia Watermen’s Heritage Tour Program—Gloucester Shuck's: At Least Six Types of Oysters - See 367 traveler reviews, 105 candid photos, and great deals for Norfolk, VA, at Tripadvisor. Find where to buy, oyster recipes, or info on VA's high quality and sustainability standards. Learn more about Virginia’s cuisines below and find a Very Virginia Recipe for your next gathering. From salty to sweet, buttery to briny, Virginia’s oysters taste just like the waters they came from– whether it’s the mighty Rappahannock, the Chesapeake Bay, or the Atlantic Ocean. At 12-18 months, the oysters are ready to … Best Oysters in Virginia Beach, Virginia: Find 34,012 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of THE BEST Oysters and search by price, location, and more. Learn more about these Virginia travel pearls below. Oyster farming begins the breeding process with fertilized eggs. Order Them Here: Denson’s Grocery and R&B Oyster Bar in Colonial Beach Eating an oyster in Virginia captures the character of our waters in one quick, complex taste. Virginia produces the most wonderful oysters in the world! Many, but not all oysters are in the superfamily Ostreoidea.. Field and laboratory research at VIMS is key to the recent surge in oyster aquaculture in Virginia, and also underlies increasing success in restoring wild populations of the Eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica to the Chesapeake Bay.Oysters were historically one of the Bay's keystone species, filtering water and providing reef habitat for many other organisms.