Virginia Aquaculture Oyster Growers in Region
#2. Upper Bay Eastern Shore

Use this regional flavor guide for Virginia Aquaculture Oysters to choose just the right oyster for the occasion.

The table at the end of this list below expresses the salinity of the growing region, as well as providing a scale rating for saltiness, sweetness, and buttery/creaminess.

Image of Oyster Growing Regions: 1. Seaside, 2. Upper Bay Eastern Shore, 3. Lower Bay Eastern Shore, 4. Upper Bay Western Shore, 5. Middle Bay Western Shore, 6. Lower Bay Western Shore, 7. Tidewater, 8. Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay

See only acquaculture oyster growers in a region: or return to the full list of acquaculture oyster growers.

Company NamePhone NumberWebsiteLocationMore Contact Info
Parkers Creek Farm917-413-4374 NorfolkMore Contact Info
Shore Seafood, Inc.757-824-5517www.shoreseafoodinc.comSaxisMore Contact Info
T&L Pruitt Oyster Co.757-710-3918 BloxomMore Contact Info
Tarkill Aquaculture Ventures, LLC757-894-2009tarkillaquacultureventures.comOnancockMore Contact Info
War Shore Oyster Company, LLC443-842-1977warshore.comAlexandriaMore Contact Info

Virginia Aquaculture Oyster Regional Flavors

Scale:
1-2 : Barely Perceptible
3-4 : Slightly
5-6 : Moderate
7-8 : Very Noticeable
9 : Strong

Region Salinity Range Saltiness Buttery/Creamy Sweetness Comments
#1 Seaside 28-32 9 3 3 Initial bold saltiness mellowing into a taste of sweet butter/cream at the finish.
#2 Upper Bay Eastern Shore 16-18 5 1 3 Classic Virginia bay oyster flavor with balanced salt and sweet with a savory finish.
#3 Lower Bay Eastern Shore 18-22 7 3 3 Salty and Creamy with mellow sweetness and a quick finish.
#4 Upper Bay Western Shore 10-17 5 2 2 Sweetwater oyster with a light cream taste.
#5 Middle Bay Western Shore 16-18 5 3 3 Lightly salty with easily distinguished cream or butter and a pleasant slight minerality.
#6 Lower Bay Western Shore 16-18 5 2 2 Mild saltiness moving to a sweet finish.
#7 Tidewater 16-30 8 2 2 Salty oyster with a sweetness and a smooth finish.
#8 Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay 16-18 5 5 4 Traditional Virginia Bay Oyster flavor with a balance of salt and sweet, and a savory butter/cream finish.