Virginia Oysters
Chesapeake Pride Oysters
We also have Chesapeake Pride frozen oysters from Cowart Seafood in Lottsburg, Virginia. Their oysters are fresh from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the North Atlantic Coast. Carefully select oysters are hand-shucked by skilled openers and immediately frozen to preserve their freshness.
They are vacuum-packed and frozen just as they come out of the water. They are fresher than fresh and delicious raw or prepared.
They come packed 20 Oysters on a tray vacuum-packed: $29.95
Oysters On The Grill
Oysters can be prepared on the grill, with a soaked burlap bag or towel placed on top which will steam the oyster open. This usually takes 5 or 7 minutes. Oysters that do not open should be discarded.
After the oyster has cooled a bit, use an oyster knife or paring knife (carefully) to cut the mussel that holds the oyster to the shell. It’s ready for your favorite relish or cocktail sauce…or simply served with saltine cracker…and a cold beer…if that’s your preference.
Traditionally we have sold a lot of the medium-sized James River oysters..probably because of the price..! However, if you are looking for a premium larger-size oyster, I would suggest the Sewansecott Oysters by the box – $75.95. or $11.95 dozen.
Oyster by the Gallon
We have sold a ton of oysters over the years. Many people will call 
for gallon prices, which is OK, however in my opinion not necessarily the best way to purchase oysters.
Years ago when we started in the business, we hand-dipped all of our oysters and sold pints, quarts, and of course gallons. In those days a gallon would yield 4 quarts or 8 pints. Our oysters came packed 8 lbs of oyster meat in a gallon tub. They were quite a bit cheaper then as opposed to today.
Oysters Gallons Packed By Weight?
So, why do you see such a wide price difference from store to store? Simply because stores will purchase based on “price” and not quality they can compete with other stores.
Packers are packing 5 and 6 pounds of oyster meat in the container before filling it with oyster/water liquid. This allows them the opportunity to compete on price. Unfortunately, some consumers often have the “save a buck” mindset and are not informed about this.
What’s the old saying…
“You get what you pay for”..right?
A 5 lb. pack container (gallon) yields about 2-1/2 quarts of actual oysters and it would have been cheaper to buy 2 Qts. and 1 Pt. or 3 quarts to be safe and have the quantity you need. Have you ever popped the lid on a gallon of oysters and found 2 inches of liquid before you get to the oysters?
And …
then realizing that the oysters are smaller than what you see in the glass jars? Approximately 3 quarts are equivalent to a 5-6 lb pack (gallon), and you can see the oysters in that glass jar.
Know who you are dealing with and where the products are coming from. Nothing beats experience, and we’ve been hearing for over 40-plus years. Oh my gosh! Well, I do eat well!
East Coast – Chesapeake Bay
We use East Coast oysters, usually from the James River. Seaside Salts are a great choice for a saltier taste. Aquaculture is saving the oyster population, providing a living for the water-men, and is a sustainable future for the Chesapeake Bay.
The video is an interesting look behind the scenes looking at both the problem and the solution for the oyster industry and the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy…
Here is a recipe to serve two Mussel-hungry folks!
- In a large stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, add garlic, and heat
for around 30 seconds. Stir for a minute, after seasoning with some red pepper flakes and some lemon zest. - Add 2 cups of white wine and season with black pepper, then bring to a boil. Add 2 pounds of cleaned and de-bearded mussels, cover right away, and boil for 1 minute.
- Stir the mussels, cover, and let boil for 2 minutes. The shell will begin to open, and then add 1 cup of fresh chopped parsley, cover, and cook for around 1-3 minutes until all shells are open.
- Great to serve with grilled sliced French bread and lemon wedges
I hope you have found this helpful!