Sewansecott
Crassostrea virginica
Historic Virginia oyster farmed since the 1800s in Hog Island Bay. Large, profoundly briny with oceanic intensity, balanced by subtle umami and sweet finish. Grown by the century-old Terry family in pristine Eastern Shore waters.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Sweet, mellow, lingering
Expert Notes
Sewansecott oysters deliver a profoundly briny blast of the Atlantic Ocean, drawing their intensely salty character from the pure, pollution-free seawater of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Farmed since the 1800s by the fourth-generation Terry family in the same shallow, marshy waters that nurture Chincoteague oysters, these large specimens offer full-bodied brine with a touch of umami that mellows to a hint of sweetness. The absence of rivers in the area means these oysters are as salty as the ocean itself, making them ideal for pairing with crisp, mineral-driven wines like Chablis. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- USA
- Grown in
- Hog Island Bay, Virginia's Eastern Shore
- Size
- Large (3-5 inches)
- Shell Color
- Gray-white
- Meat Color
- Cream to light gray
What Experts Say
Across 9 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: Atlantean brine, profoundly briny blast, lush, bold saltiness
"They were the best Virginia oysters I've found, big and full-flavored, with a big hit of umami and a nice lingering touch of sweetness to balance the Atlantean brine"
brinyumamisweetfull-flavored
"These are very good–moderately salty and soft to the palate. At happy hour prices I could eat a couple of dozen of these lush morsels."
saltysoftlush
"Extremely flavorful with high salinity, sweetness, and umami. Texture: Chewy, long, plump"
saltysweetumamichewyplump
"With their initial intense salty taste these oysters have a final soft and creamy final note. As small as the second ones, these oysters are perfect for people"
saltycreamyintense
"Sewansecott oysters are renowned for their firm texture and a balanced taste profile that's both salty and sweet. Harvested from Hog Island Bay, they bring a touch of Virginia's coastal charm"
saltysweetfirmbalanced
"Initial bold saltiness mellowing into a taste of sweet butter/cream at the finish"
saltybutterycreamysweetbold
"Profoundly briny blast of the Atlantic Ocean. Sewansecotts have been grown since the 1800s by the Terry family of Virginia's Eastern Shore"
brinyoceanicprofound
About the Farm
H.M. Terry Co.
Est. 1903Fourth-generation oyster company with 120 years of expertise farming oysters in Willis Wharf, Virginia. Founded originally as an oyster company with the express purpose of spawning, transplanting, growing, harvesting, processing, and marketing a branded oyster from the ocean waters of Virginia's Eastern Shore.
- Cultivation Method
- off-bottom cages
History & Background
Sewansecotts have been grown since the 1800s by the Terry family. The company bailed on oysters in the 1980s when things got bleak on the Chesapeake, but revived their Sewansecott brand in the early 2000s. They still use the retro Indian head logo from their old oyster tins.
A staple on the menu at Grand Central Oyster Bar for several years, one of executive chef Sandy Ingber's favorites. The brand represents Virginia's oyster heritage resurgence on the Eastern Shore.
Did You Know?
- Grown in Hog Island Bay, which is designated a United Nations Biosphere Reserve
- H.M. Terry Co produces 75 million Sewansecott-branded clams and oysters annually
- The company has gone from wheelbarrows and shovels to conveyors and digital counters
- Oysters grow to market size in just one year due to the richness of the waters
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 9 sources.
- Sewansecott Oysters — Oyster Guide
- Sewansecott Oyster — Oysterater
- A Week in the Life of an Oysterholic — In a Half Shell
- Our Story | H.M. Terry Co. — H.M. Terry Co.
- Oysters in Focus for Thanksgiving — Congressional Seafood
- Everything You Need to Know About Virginia Oysters — Virginia Tourism
- Oysters & Chablis Pairing Guide — Oyster Guide
- Oyster Regions - Virginia Oyster Trail — Virginia Oyster Trail
- Shellfish Farmers Embrace New Technologies — Aquaculture North America
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