Bogues Bay
Crassostrea ariakensis
The first commercial Suminoe oyster from Chincoteague Inlet, Virginia. Features a pretty white shell, firm meat, and mild, sweet flavor that provides a good impersonation of the native Chesapeake virginica.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Mild, clean, subtle
Expert Notes
Bogues Bay represents the first commercial incarnation of the Suminoe oyster (C. ariakensis) from a farm in Chincoteague Inlet. While Suminoe oysters have a mixed reputation, this variety delivers a surprisingly good impersonation of the native virginica oyster. It features a pretty, white, wide shell with firm meat and a mild flavor profile that's accessible yet distinctive. Not a show-stopper, but a solid representation of what farmed Suminoe oysters can achieve. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea ariakensis
- Native to
- Asia
- Grown in
- Chincoteague Inlet, Virginia
- Size
- Medium (3-4 inches)
- Shell Color
- White
- Meat Color
- Cream
What Experts Say
Across 5 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: pretty good impersonation of virginica
"This is the first commercial incarnation of the Suminoe oyster (C. ariakensis), coming from a farm out in Chincoteague Inlet. The oyster isn't as bad as Suminoes are advertised to be. It has a pretty, white, wide shell, firm meat, and a mild flavor. Not a show-stopper, but a pretty good impersonation of a virginica."
mildfirm
"Bogues Bay Regular Sweet Virginia"
sweet
About the Farm
Mother Shuckers Oyster Farm
Located in Assawoman, Virginia, Mother Shuckers cultivates unique oysters in the Chincoteague Inlet area.
History & Background
Bogues Bay represents the first commercial cultivation of Crassostrea ariakensis (Suminoe oyster) in the United States, originating from Chincoteague Inlet, Virginia. This species was part of experimental plantings in the Chesapeake Bay region that began in 1998, using sterile triploid specimens at various salinity levels.
The oyster is named after Bogues Bay, one of the shallow bays and creeks in the Accomack County seaside area of Virginia's Eastern Shore, part of the extensive network of waterways protected by barrier islands.
Did You Know?
- First commercial Suminoe oyster variety marketed in North America
- Featured in collaborative oyster stout with Fine Creek Brewing Co. called 'Bogues Bay'
- Distinguished by an unusually white and wide shell compared to native virginica oysters
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 5 sources.
- Bogues Bay - Chesapeake — The Oyster Guide
- Crassostrea ariakensis — Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- BOGUES AND SHELLY BAYS Growing Area # 099 — Virginia Department of Health
- Oyster List — Oyster Bar
- Somewhereness — FINE CREEK BREWING CO — Fine Creek Brewing Company
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