What makes a Premium Oyster?
Recap
As mentioned on previous blogs, our process begins with a selection of oyster seeds from a specialized hatchery. The spats are then nurtured in our inland oyster growing systems, where we feature a Floating Upweller System (F.L.U.P.S.Y.) on the docks and a custom system right next to our oyster sorting plant; this is until they are robust enough to be transferred to the next step.
When oyster seeds reach around a centimeter, they are placed in mesh bags and arranged on raised metal racks, also known as "tables," in the intertidal zones of our farm in Guerrero Negro. While the Kumiai Oysters are put into a bag-and-rack system, our premium oyster such as PaiPai and Chingón are set in more advanced systems like the Horizontal Suspended System, this has both pros and cons…
PaiPai and Chingón Oysters
The Horizontal Suspended System method is a technique used for cultivating oysters, particularly popular in places where the water conditions allow for a stable, nutrient-rich environment for oyster growth.
Oysters are housed in mesh bags or baskets that are then suspended from a rack, frame, or long lines. The racks are placed just above the seabed or water surface. These lines or racks can either float or be anchored at various depths. The system ensures that the oysters are kept in a horizontal position, allowing for even water flow and maximizing exposure to nutrients.
With this method, our farmers can easily access the oysters for cleaning, grading, and harvesting without having to dredge or dig into the seabed, reducing labor intensity. Oysters stay cleaner by being lifted above the seabed, which reduces their exposure to mud, predators, and silt that can clog their filters or damage them.
Growing our oysters this way, often give high meat quality, as they are less likely to be stressed by mud or sediment. The shells tend to be smoother and cleaner, and the meat inside can have a firmer texture, appealing to premium markets. The constant water movement around the oysters also encourages strong muscle development, which contributes to the firmness of the meat.
The Pai Pai and Chingón Oysters offer more intensity and robust textures, with a more pronounced touch of salinity, ideal for those who prefer a stronger-flavored oyster. Their meat tends to be denser, contributing to a more meaty experience.
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