Kumiai Oysters from Baja: Briny, Meaty & Perfectly Shaped
In 2007, we expanded our product line introducing the Kumiai Oyster with the purpose of including oyster farming. Since then, the Kumiai has become our #1 oyster, over 17 years in the market and we have continued to innovate to satisfy the increasingly diverse tastes of seafood lovers.
Kumiai Oysters in Commercial Size
Baja Shellfish Farms’ Kumiai Oysters are the ultimate expression of Pacific Bay oysters briny, bracing, and bursting with oyster meats that seafood lovers crave. With their elegant shell shape and irresistible flavor, they’re the perfect shucked oysters for raw bars, gourmet recipes, and culinary creations.
Our Kumiais stand out with their briny oysters taste, a clean, crisp saline note that reflects the cold waters of the California Current. This signature brininess sets Kumiai apart from gentler tasting bay oysters.
Our journey begins with the careful 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.
Once the seeds reach 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. This bag-and-rack system is part of the French method, and allows the oysters to benefit from the natural rhythms of the tide. As the tide rises and falls, the oysters are alternately submerged and exposed to the air, which strengthens their shells and enhances their flavor. This process encourages the development of the deep, cup shaped shells that characterizes our Kumiai Oysters.
Racks & Bags | Oyster Farming Method for Kumiai Oysters
From 18 to 20 months later, as the oysters reach maturity, they are harvested and send to the Whales Cove Mussel Farm at the Ensenada B.C bay for a two week Cold Condition. By immersing our oysters in the colder waters of the open ocean we extend the shelf life, keeping them fresh for longer periods of time enhancing their strength in every possible way.
“Kumiai are regional bay oysters, cultivated sustainably in Baja’s cold, nutrient rich coastal waters. Their robust flavor profile embodies the marine environment where they grow all naturally through our cold-conditioning practices.”
The distinct shell shape of Kumiai oysters is thick, fluted, and symmetrical and is a visual cue of their maturity and premium quality. They’re perfect for shucking demonstrations, seafood platters, or oyster carving displays.
The Kumiai Oyster stands out as a true gem, famous for its plump flesh and unique flavor, with a snappy texture, cucumber, snap peas, seaweed & long sweet finish. Inside each beautifully shaped shell lies plush oyster meats. These full bodied meats elevate Kumiai oysters as must have shucked oysters, ideal for oysters on the half shell or cooked dishes like Rockefeller or ceviche.
Tips for Shucking Kumiai Oysters
Keep oysters chilled until just before serving.
Start at the hinge and slide the shucking knife inward.
Aim for clean cuts to preserve bay oyster presentation and their briny oysters flavor.
Serve with classic accompaniments: mignonette, lemon wedges, or hot sauce.
FAQs
What makes Kumiai oysters more briny than other bay oysters?
Their cold-conditioning process in nutrient-rich waters intensifies mineral uptake, resulting in a distinctly saline, briny oysters profile.Why is shell shape important?
A strong, fluted shell protects the oyster meat and signals quality—ensuring uniform shucked oysters and optimal meat yield.Are the oyster meats meaty enough for cooked recipes?
Absolutely—Kumiai oysters provide plump oyster meats that hold up well in cooked dishes while preserving their brine.
Whether you're serving up raw oysters or searing them in your signature dish, Baja Shellfish Farms’ Kumiai oysters offer unmatched flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Order your Kumiai oysters today and experience the perfect briny, meaty taste of Baja’s bay oysters.
