Exploring the Unique Charm of Blue Point Oysters: Natures Culinary Gift

There are several food items and dishes around the world that would make you ask questions just by the sight of it, questions such as, ‘What made anyone think to taste this in the first place?’ One of these food items is Oysters.

Oysters undoubtedly appear unpalatable, giving an icky feeling when imagined passing down the throat alongside their slimy nature and hard shell. But beyond their appearance, Oysters make one of the sought-after, healthy, and tasty shellfish to grace the fresh seafood market.

Different types of oysters have been consumed by many in different parts of the world for thousands of years. Out of them all, Blue point Oysters have been noted to be the most desirable due to their origin, taste, and several unique characteristics which we will unravel in this article.

The Origin of Blue Point Oysters

These delicious, exquisite, robust wild shellfish were tagged ‘blue point’ after they were discovered in the 1800s in Long Island’s Great South Bay close to a town called Blue Point, in New York. 

However, this name has become a generic name for oysters. Why? It is revealed that no oyster has gotten as much attention as the Blue Point Oyster, genuine blue point Oysters that are harvested in the great south bay.

It may be the salinity, minerals, algae, or something special about the Great South Bay because no oyster outside those found or harvested on this island has a depth of flavor similar to that of the blue point oyster. Some would say that these shellfish scream their origin. Once you taste them, they echo a “sense of place”. 

In addition, these oysters were the finest of them all, in high demand by the Europeans, and also the first oyster to have been shipped to Europe. 

The Law Protecting Blue Point Oysters

Unfortunately, when a particular commodity is popular and in high demand and supply is low, there is often a rise in counterfeits and piracy. And these precious oysters were not left out.

Several oyster dealers flooded the seafood market and other marketplaces with lookalike oysters and offered them, —true blue point oysters or not— as Blue point Oysters. This happens to be the worst form of counterfeiting to consumers, who yearned for the true blue points but got lookalikes instead. As a result of this, the New York state legislature passed a law in the early 1900s.

The decree states that “No person shall sell or offer for sale, any oysters, or label or brand any packages containing oysters for shipment or sale under the name of blue point oysters, other than oysters which have been planted and cultivated at least three months in the waters of Great South Bay.” This was and still is the law in New York. Making this shellfish the only oyster to be protected by law.

Don’t you find that interesting? To have an oyster named after a town and also protected by law. This is one of the many interesting facts about these shellfish that make them special. 

Now, let’s delve into some of the major distinguishing characteristics of these desirable Oysters.

5 Unique Attributes of Blue Point Oysters

Going through the history of these special shellfish, it is only normal to ask what exactly makes them stand out as much as they do. What makes these oysters more preferable, and demanding? What makes them special? Why do people want to eat them more? 

To feed your curiosity, we have carefully listed and explained some of the special characteristics that differentiate them from other oysters.

1. Origin

No matter how much you want to talk about these oysters, you would definitely have to start with their origin. Their origin gives them their flavor, their name, and also their history.

2. Flavor Profile

These unique oysters are often identified upon taste as a result of their natural flavor. Their meats appear glossy and almost liquid with high brininess. Genuine blue point oysters have a very fresh, crisp, and firm texture.

In addition, They also have a very mild flavor, which makes it possible to consume them raw like other Oysters, leaving a sweet aftertaste that radiates salinity. This taste tells more about the water from which they were harvested and remains peculiar in oysters of the Great South Bay. 

So if you want an oyster that connects you to the oceans and nature more, you can’t go wrong with these oysters.

3. Size 

These oysters often appear between medium to large. Their size range is about 3-4 making them larger compared to other oysters.

They are often in high demand as a result of their size which makes the texture of their meat more appealing.

4. Culinary Effect

Their robust, chewy, and firm texture makes them palatable to eat. This texture also makes them good for any cooking method, grilling, baking, or making them part of different seafood meals. 

In addition, These special oysters can be served raw without taking them out of their shell. 

5. Nutritional Value

Aside from their sumptuous taste and flavor, these oysters are a great source of protein. They also possess essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium.

How Are Blue Point Oysters Stored?

As a result of their delicate nature, after harvest, these oysters are preserved in a flowing seawater system that has been refrigerated by advanced technology. 

This storage system keeps them alive for a longer period and maintains their fresh nature and also their taste. In addition, these oysters can naturally clean themselves of any dirt or bacteria by filtering the clean sea water while in the wet holding system.

Generally, avoid storing oysters in direct and underneath ice. Do not store them in freshwater or they will die. They may sit on an ice tray for about 60 minutes but do not let them on fresh water. 

Where You Can Buy Blue Point Oysters

Several seafood markets sell oysters and it has also been made accessible as you can order from a trusted online seafood vendor. However, what is more important is getting the real thing. 

Ensure that you purchase from a reputable vendor who wouldn’t deliver a lookalike to your doorstep. And if you’re new to these unique oysters, seek guidance from someone who has had it and knows where to get it around you. 

This is to avoid enjoying a different oyster for a long time thinking they were the blue points, only to find out they were not, all along.

Unique Charm of Blue Point Oysters

The special and unique qualities of Blue Point oysters comprise their origin, brininess, meaty texture, size, and natural flavor. These attributes make them stand out from the crowd of oysters.

Some would call these oysters the best among the rest but you can only attest to this after you taste them. 

So, go ahead and ravish this delicious seafood, and let its flavor take you close to Long Island’s Great South Bay.