Atlantic - Eastern Oysters  Crassostree virginica Blue Point,Chincoteagues, Apalachicolas, Cape Cods, American Oyster

An indigenous species to America this oyster comes from the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana, Texas and Florida.  Chesapeake Bay and Long Island Sound are also heavy producers.  In fact these oysters can be found from Prince Edward Island Canada to Mexico.

These oysters often bear the name of the region from which they are harvested that gives them a unique flavor for example; Blue point which hails from long Island Sound.

The Atlantic Oyster is known for its distinctive salty flavor and smooth somewhat fatty texture.

Oysters can be infected with certain viruses and bacteria such as Vibro vulnificus.  Oysters should be harvested only from waters approved by the National Shellfish sanitation Program.

Oysters are best from September through April and the colder waters from which they are harvested the lower the health risk.