Plymouth Rock
Crassostrea virginica
Intertidally cultured Eastern oyster from historic Duxbury and Plymouth Bay, Massachusetts. Briny and mineral-rich with balanced sweetness and a crisp, clean finish. Firm yet delicate texture.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Crisp, clean, mineral finish
Expert Notes
Plymouth Rock oysters showcase the distinctive terroir of Duxbury and Plymouth Bay, delivering a briny, mineral-rich flavor profile with balanced sweetness. Intertidally cultured near the historic Pilgrim landing spot, these oysters develop a firm yet delicate texture with clean, clear meats. The hallmark blend of salinity and sweetness, combined with their crisp mineral finish, makes them a standout among Massachusetts oysters and a favorite for those who appreciate bold ocean flavors. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- USA
- Grown in
- Duxbury Bay, Massachusetts, Plymouth Bay, Massachusetts
- Size
- Medium (3-4 inches)
- Shell Color
- Bright, attractive shells
- Meat Color
- Clean, clear
Perfect Pairings
What Experts Say
Across 8 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: threateningly briny, lively, crisp, essence of the ocean
"These descendents of the original colony of oysters discovered by the Pilgrims may be the tastiest wild oysters left on the East Coast. Threateningly briny, they are also lively and clean and wonderfully chewy. Note the goosefoot pattern of raised ridges on the green shell—sign of an oyster exposed to fluctuating tides and temperatures in its youth."
brinycleanchewy
"One of my favorites, briny and creamy."
brinycreamy
"Grown in the cold, pristine waters of Cape Cod, the taste of PRO oysters is a perfect balance of sweet and salty."
sweetsaltybalanced
"Grown in the cold, pristine waters of Cape Cod Bay on intertidal farms off the shore of America's Hometown, the oysters of Plymouth Rock Oysters are cultivated just above the bottom in a nutrient-rich environment nourished by nearby eel-grass meadows. Situated where the waters of Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth meet, they experience twice-daily, strong tidal surges that help to create the perfect cold-water New England oyster. The taste – a perfect balance of sweet and salty – embodies the clean, crisp waters from which they're harvested."
sweetsaltycleancrisp
"Undine Sea Sirens are grown suspended above White Flat, known for it's beautiful, clean bottom, Undine Sea Sirens come to market looking like they've been hand grown and selected just for your table. Featuring attractive, bright shells on the outside and clean, clear meats on the inside, their delicate, briny flavor encapsulates the essence of the ocean."
delicatebrinyclean
About the Farm
Plymouth Rock Oysters (PRO)
Family owned and operated in Plymouth, Massachusetts – America's Hometown – Plymouth Rock Oysters (PRO) is a true boutique operation founded by Bill Doyle.
- Cultivation Method
- rack and bag
History & Background
These oysters are descendants of the original colony of oysters discovered by the Pilgrims when they landed near Plymouth Rock in 1620. The area has a rich oyster farming history dating back centuries.
Located not far from the Pilgrims' landing spot in Duxbury Bay and Plymouth Bay, Massachusetts. The oysters are cultivated in the historic waters where America's earliest settlers first encountered these shellfish.
Did You Know?
- Grown near the actual Plymouth Rock where the Pilgrims landed in 1620
- Feature a distinctive goosefoot pattern of raised ridges on green shells from exposure to fluctuating tides
- May be the tastiest wild oysters left on the East Coast according to expert Rowan Jacobsen
- Cultivated in waters where Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth meet
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 8 sources.
- Plymouth Rock - The Oyster Guide — oysterguide.com
- Plymouth Rock - Oysterater — oysterater.com
- Plymouth Rock Oysters – The best oysters you'll ever taste! — proysters.com
- Market List - Plymouth Rock Oysters — proysters.com
- About Us - Plymouth Rock Oysters — proysters.com
- America's Oyster King Farms Next to the Real Plymouth Rock — vice.com
- Invasive tunicates have shellfish farmers crying 'foul' — whoi.edu
- Rising Tides: The oyster industry faces climate change challenges — berkeleybeacon.com
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 →