November 15, 2024Virginia Is For Oyster Lovers!

November is Virginia Oyster Month and the VMPB is celebrating all month long! Eastern Oysters are deeply connected to the history of Virginia, in fact, the scientific name for the species is Crassostrea virginica and thanks to Virginia’s embrace of aquaculture oyster farming the Virginia Oyster industry is as strong as ever with Virginia consistently first on the East Coast in oyster production. The continuing growth of the Virginia Oyster industry is also beneficial to the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and the other species native to Virginia that live in it. Each adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water each day helping to ensure the cleanest environment possible for fresh and local Virginia Seafood.

Oysters are not only good for the environment but are naturally high in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, E, and C, Calcium, Selenium, and Vitamin B-12, while also being low fat and a great source of protein so they are good for you as well. Oysters can be served raw on the half shell, roasted, fried, in fritters, stew, and stuffing and thanks to modern improvements in shipping and refrigeration can be served fresh and local all year round. We would like to thank Virginia’s commercial watermen, women, and aquaculture growers for their part in keeping the Virginia Oyster Industry thriving. For more information on where to purchase Virginia Oysters follow this link to our Virginia Seafood retail page.