Watch Hill Oyster Flavor Profile Characteristics
Watch Hill Oysters are a Virginica oyster from one of the oyster appellations in Rhode Island. They are cultivated in the nutrient rich waters of Winnapaug Pond in Westerly, Rhode Island. Winnapaug Pond is a mere 100 yards from the open Atlantic Ocean from which it is protected by a natural barrior beach. This proximity to the ocean gives Watch Hill oysters their classic New England flavor profile, as the tides daily replenish the pond with the rich nutrients upon which the oysters grow.
Watch Hill Oysters are rack & bag farmed oysters. Rack & bag cultured oysters are grown in mesh cages or bags which are generally staked about one to two feet off the bottom. Oysters raised by the rack & bag method are protected from predators and do not become cramped for space as they grow. They also do not have to filter as much sand & mud in order to get nutrients, thus they grow faster. They develop a deeper cup than beach cultured oysters. However, if the oyster is raised entirely this way then they are pampered and their shells tend to be brittle which makes them difficult to shuck without breaking.
| Watch Hill Oyster | |
|---|---|
| Location | Winnapaug Pond, Westerly, Rhode Island |
| Species | Virginica Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) |
| Oyster Availability | September – July |
| Size | up to 3 1/2″ |
| Oyster Cultivation | Rack & Bag plus chipping by hand |
| Oyster Flavor Profile | Watch Hill Oysters have deep cups, a high salinity, and a full-bodied flavor with a buttery sweet finish. |
| Salinity Index | 29-34 parts per thousand |
See proper shellfish storage methods for the best way to maintain the shelf life and flavor of your oysters.
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