James River

James River · Chesapeake Bay, USA

Crassostrea virginica

The James River is one of the least saline oyster-producing rivers in Virginia — its volume of freshwater produces oysters with almost no detectable brine and exceptional sweetness. Bold, sweet, and unmistakably Chesapeake.

Raw shellfish is a major allergen and carries inherent health risks. Editorial reference only.

Salinity1/5
Sweetness5/5
Minerality1/5
Umami3/5
Textureplump
Finishsweet

Pair with

Unoaked ChardonnayDemi-Sec VouvrayWheat Beer
Always start here

The reference version.

The James River is one of the least saline oyster-producing rivers in Virginia — its volume of freshwater produces oysters with almost no detectable brine and exceptional sweetness. Bold, sweet, and unmistakably Chesapeake.

What you'll tasteas it arrives
Brine
1
Sweet
5
Mineral
1
Umami
3
Acid
—

Everything below is measured against this plate.

Details

Cultivationbottom-cultured · 3–5 yearsAppearancelarge · elongated

If you like this, try

ApalachicolaApalachicolaMild and immediately approachable — the opposite of a Belon or a high-brine Wellfleet.Choptank SweetChoptank RiverChesapeake character at its sweetest — the Choptank River's lower salinity and warm waters push sweetness to the front while keeping brine subdued.
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