Bodega Bay Atlantic
Crassostrea virginica
Atlantic oysters grown in Bodega Bay, California. Known for robust, gnarly shells and intensely briny, metallic flavor with a creamy texture and sweet finish. A bold West Coast take on the Eastern species.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Strong, briny, sweet aftertaste
Expert Notes
Bodega Bay Atlantic oysters represent a unique West Coast cultivation of the Eastern oyster species, thriving in the cold, mineral-rich waters of California's Bodega Bay. These oysters showcase a robust, intensely briny character with distinctive metallic notes that reflect their coastal Pacific terroir. The firm meat delivers a powerful salty punch balanced by underlying sweetness and creaminess, creating a complex flavor profile that bridges East and West Coast oyster traditions. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- USA
- Grown in
- Bodega Bay, California
- Size
- Medium (2.5-3.5 inches)
- Shell Color
- Gnarly, robust gray-white
- Meat Color
- Cream to light gray
About the Farm
Point Reyes Oyster Company (sister company)
Rare Atlantic oysters grown in the Pacific-kissed waters of Tomales Bay by the sister company of the venerable Point Reyes Oyster Company.
- Cultivation Method
- longline
History & Background
Atlantic oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were introduced to the West Coast after the transcontinental railroad opened in 1869, as they were larger and more desirable than native Olympia oysters. The Bodega Bay Atlantic represents a rare cultivation of this Eastern species in California's Tomales Bay.
These are rare Atlantic oysters grown in Pacific waters, representing an unusual cross-coastal cultivation approach in Northern California's prime oyster-growing region.
Did You Know?
- Rare variety - Atlantic oysters are uncommon in Pacific waters
- Grown in bags attached to longlines in Tomales Bay
- Sister company to venerable Point Reyes Oyster Company
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 4 sources.
- Bodega Bay Atlantic Oyster - Oysterater — Oysterater.com
- Bodega Bay Oyster Co. grows tide-to-table shellfish — Press Democrat
- Olympian Dreams — Alta Online
- Bodega Bay Oyster Co. - Travel Agent Apparel — Travel Agent Apparel
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Learn More
The Big Five: A Complete Guide to Commercial Oyster Species
Comprehensive guide to C. virginica (Atlantic), C. gigas (Pacific), C. sikamea (Kumamoto), O. lurida (Olympia), and O. edulis (European Flat)
Read article → Biology & SpeciesThe Atlantic Oyster (C. virginica): From Maritime Brine to Gulf Sweetness
Deep dive into America's indigenous East Coast oyster - flavor profiles, regional variations, and famous varieties
Read article → Merroir & EnvironmentWhat is Merroir? The Science of How Environment Shapes Oyster Flavor
Understanding merroir - the marine equivalent of terroir - and how water chemistry creates flavor
Read article →