Seafood Guide » Oysters

Oysters

Tomahawk

Source: Chef’s Resource

Tomahawk Oysters are an East Coast oyster from one of the Massachusetts & Rhode Island oyster appellations. They are cultivated by the Wampanoag people in Menemsha Pond, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Tomahawk Oysters are rack & bag farmed oysters. Rack & bag cultured oysters are grown in mesh cages or bags which are generally staked about one to two feet off the bottom. Oysters raised by the rack & bag method are protected from predators and do not become cramped for space as they grow. They also do not have to filter as much sand & mud in order to get nutrients, thus they grow faster. They develop a deeper cup than beach cultured oysters. However, if the oyster is raised entirely this way then they are pampered and their shells tend to be brittle which makes them difficult to shuck without breaking.

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