Masonboro Pearls
CULTIVATED OYSTER
FLAVOR meaty and herbaceous; sweet finish
SALINITY medium
SHELL SIZE medium
CUP DEPTH deep
AVAILABLE year-round
GROWN IN Masonboro Sound near Wilmington
CULTIVATED BY James Hargrove of Middle Sound Mariculture
SALINITY medium
SHELL SIZE medium
CUP DEPTH deep
AVAILABLE year-round
GROWN IN Masonboro Sound near Wilmington
CULTIVATED BY James Hargrove of Middle Sound Mariculture
Masonboro Sound is tucked behind Masonboro Island south of Wrightsville Beach. Grown near the inlet, Masonboro Pearls get a shot of saltwater twice a day as the tide rolls in. Grower James Hargrove says “eating one is like kissing a mermaid.”
Masonboro Pearls are meaty with a high salinity and an earthy, herbaceous flavor. They are excellent shucked raw or lightly steamed. For a good roasting oyster, turn to Middle Sound Mariculture’s Tarheel Tiderunners.
TARHEEL TIDERUNNER OYSTER
Grown by Middle Sound Mariculture in Stump Sound
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