Peconic Pearl
Crassostrea virginica
Premium deep-cupped oyster from Peconic Bay, Long Island. Balanced brine with signature sweetness and complex earthy minerality. Grown by Noank Aquaculture Cooperative with proceeds supporting Peconic Estuary conservation.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Mineral, sweet, pleasant surprise
Expert Notes
Peconic Pearl oysters are premium cultivated specimens that showcase the signature character of the Peconic Estuary. Grown by the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative and hatched at the Shellfisher Preserve in Southold, these deep-cupped oysters deliver medium brine with distinctive earthy, nutty minerality. The signature sweetness typical to the Peconic Estuary creates a well-balanced flavor profile, though they lack the liveliness of oysters harvested closer to the open sea. Strong shells and full meats make these oysters a treasure among chefs. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- USA
- Grown in
- Peconic Bay, Long Island, New York, Southold Bay, New York
- Size
- Small to Medium (2.5-3 inches)
- Shell Color
- White to gray-white
- Meat Color
- Light pearl to cream
Perfect Pairings
What Experts Say
Across 7 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: light pearl color, petite
"Sweet, light pearl color, briny and insanely delicious!"
sweetbriny
"These delicious Pearls have a rich briny flavor with a good balance of sweetness. Just delish!"
brinysweet
"Strong shells, very briny. Proceeds from the oyster benefit the Peconic Land Trust."
briny
"They're petite and almost savory, and five cents from each retail sale goes to efforts to preserve the Peconic Estuary."
savory
"The minerality of the Bay resonates distinctly in the sweet & briny flavor of the Pearls, making them a requested favorite on the North Fork and beyond."
mineralsweetbriny
About the Farm
Noank Aquaculture Cooperative (Shellfisher Preserve)
Oysters are hatched at the Shellfisher Preserve in Southold, NY, managed by Karen Rivara. The cooperative operates a modern marine hatchery that produces oyster seed for growers in the area. The farm is located on land leased from the Peconic Land Trust.
- Cultivation Method
- bottom culture
History & Background
Peconic Pearls are grown by the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative at Shellfisher Preserve on land leased from the Peconic Land Trust. Karen Rivara oversees the operation at the edge of Southold Bay, where oysters are hatched and raised to maturity in Peconic Bay.
A portion of profits from Peconic Pearl sales are contributed to environmental projects that benefit the Peconic Estuary. Five cents from each retail sale goes to efforts to preserve the estuary, making it an oyster with a conservation mission.
Did You Know?
- Part of the proceeds support the Peconic Land Trust and estuary conservation
- Grown at Shellfisher Preserve in Southold, NY
- Featured as oyster of the month at Grand Central Oyster Bar
- Available at Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market in Greenport
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 7 sources.
- Peconic Pearl Oyster — Oysterater
- Oysters at the Market: Peconic Pearls — Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market
- Newsday's magazine for Long Island food lovers — Newsday
- The world is their oyster: The new wave of North Fork shellfish farmers — Northforker
- Oyster Saloon Coming To South Street Seaport Saturday — Gothamist
- Peconic Paradise — The Oyster Guide
- Private Tour of Peconic Pearls Oyster Farm — The Oyster Guide
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Learn More
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