Whale Rock
Crassostrea virginica
A rare, premium oyster from the Mystic River cultivated by Connecticut's cooperative. Four-inch deep-cupped shells with mineral-rich, sweet-briny flavor and perfect shell shapes make these a sought-after variety.
Flavor Profile
Finish
Clean, crisp, refreshing
Expert Notes
Whale Rock oysters are a rare and sought-after variety from the Connecticut cooperative's Noank hatchery operations in the Mystic River. These oysters are specially selected for their perfect shell shapes and generous four-inch size. The deep-cupped shells house meats with a pronounced mineral-rich character, balanced by natural sweetness and notable brininess that creates a harmonious and refreshing experience on the palate. Origin & Characteristics
- Species
- Crassostrea virginica
- Native to
- USA
- Grown in
- Mystic River, Massachusetts and Rhode Island
- Size
- Large (4 inches)
- Shell Color
- Perfect shells
- Meat Color
- Light gray
What Experts Say
Across 4 sources, tasters describe this oyster as:
Unique notes: mineral-rich, icy
"A rare oyster worth seeking out. Whale Rocks are part of the Connecticut cooperative that runs the Noank hatchery and plants oysters in the Mystic River, but Whale Rocks are singled out for their perfect shell shapes and generous sizes and sold under that name. Count on a four-inch, deep-cupped, mineral-rich oyster."
mineral-richdeep-cupped
"Whale Rock Oysters are large, have perfectly shaped deep cups with a briny taste and mineral finish."
brinymineral
"WHALE ROCK, MA, 4" Briny Taste & Mineral Finish"
brinymineral
"Whale Rock – Mystic River, Connecticut: 3.5" – 4". These much sought after oysters are hatched in Noank, CT and then grown in the icy Mystic River. Whale Rocks have a very deep cup that houses a succulent meat."
succulent
About the Farm
Connecticut Cooperative (Noank Hatchery)
Whale Rocks are part of the Connecticut cooperative that runs the Noank hatchery and plants oysters in the Mystic River. These oysters are hatched in Noank, CT and then grown in the icy Mystic River, singled out for their perfect shell shapes and generous sizes.
- Cultivation Method
- rack and bag
History & Background
Whale Rock oysters are described as rare with limited availability and typically high demand, making them a sought-after variety among oyster enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
- Whale Rocks are singled out from the Connecticut cooperative's production for their perfect shell shapes and sold under their own name
- These oysters are grown in the historic and icy waters of the Mystic River
Sources & References
This information was compiled from 4 sources.
- Whale Rock - The Oyster Guide — The Oyster Guide
- Whale Rock Oysters — Chefs Resources
- OS Oyster Menu — The Oyster Society
- Oysters - Cape Cod Shellfish — Cape Cod Shellfish
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Learn More
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