Duxbury Standard Oysters

Quick Facts

• Species: Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) – A classic American oyster known for its versatility and rich history.
• Cultivation Method: Farmed for 12-18 months in the pristine, nutrient-rich waters of Duxbury Bay.
• Size: Consistently around 3 inches – perfect for a satisfying, plump bite.
• Seasonality: Available year-round, offering a taste of the ocean whenever you crave it.
• Flavor Profile: Briny and salty with a clean, sweet finish and a firm, meaty texture that delights the palate.

What Are Duxbury Standard Oysters?

Duxbury Standard oysters thrive in the unique environment of Duxbury Bay, Massachusetts. Steady southwesterly winds create unusually cold water conditions within Cape Cod Bay 1. These distinctive conditions prevent the oysters from spawning. However, they still build up fat and glycogen stores as if preparing to spawn 16.

The farming process for Duxbury Standards begins with 2mm seed upwelled in May. Farmers then place seeds in Vexar nursery bags until fall. Farmers plant them directly on tidal flats in October. They harvest the plants either by hand-picking at low tide or by dragging during higher tides 7. The bay’s 10-foot tidal range delivers nutrient-rich waters over sand and silted tidal flats, creating ideal growing conditions 7.

These oysters stand out for their varying shell shapes while maintaining the signature Duxbury flavor profile. Each oyster takes 18 to 24 months to reach market size of 3.5+ inches, developing in waters with almost full ocean salinity 78. The cold, nutrient-rich environment of Duxbury Bay has never hosted a native oyster population, making these cultivated oysters a testament to modern aquaculture innovation 3.

How Did Duxbury Standard Oysters Get Their Name?

Duxbury Standard Oysters take their name from their origin, Duxbury Bay in Massachusetts. The term “Standard” refers to their consistent size, which is around 3 inches. This standardization helps distinguish them from other oysters produced in the same area.

The name reflects the commitment to quality and reliability of the farmers in Duxbury. Each oyster meets strict size and flavor criteria before reaching the market. This dedication to uniformity makes them a popular choice for restaurants and raw bars.

About American Mussel Harvesters

American Mussel Harvesters, Inc. (AMH) was founded in 1986 with humble beginnings, starting with just one phone, truck, and mussel boat. The company established a few core ideas and committed to providing high-quality shellfish. Over the years, AMH has become one of North America’s largest producers of mussels, expanding its offerings to include clams and oysters.

AMH operates farms in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound, where they cultivate their shellfish using sustainable and ecologically sensitive practices. The company has formed strategic alliances with independent shellfish farmers, allowing them to focus on growing while AMH handles the marketing and distribution. This collaboration ensures a steady supply of fresh, flavorful shellfish that meets the high standards of their Restaurant Ready® line.

The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its processing facilities, which have significantly reduced freshwater consumption and implemented water recirculation systems. AMH’s dedication to quality and sustainability has made it a trusted supplier for restaurants and seafood enthusiasts, providing live shellfish that are both delicious and environmentally friendly

Stay up-to-date on when these sought-after oysters will be released by following American Mussel Harvesters on Facebook and Instagram. You won’t miss your chance to get a batch of these rich, briny beauties with their distinctive dark shells and harmonious blend of bold and sweet flavors. Head to their website now to learn more about Midnight Kiss and American Mussel Harvesters’ full range of premium oyster varieties. Don’t let this fleeting opportunity to experience oyster perfection pass you by!

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Duxbury Standard Oysters Information

Oyster: Duxbury Standards

Species: Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Cultivation Method: Farmed, 12-18 months grow-out.

Culture Method: Upwelled, raised on bottom

Season: Year round

Size: 3.5″

Salinity: 25- 35 ppt

Appearance: Duxbury Standard oysters have deep-cupped shells with a rough and sturdy exterior. The shells can vary in color from dark brown to pale gray, sometimes exhibiting a mottled appearance. In conjunction, these plump oysters have creamy white to light beige meat that is firm, succulent.

Flavor Profile: Balanced combination of brininess and subtle sweetness. The oysters exhibit a distinct briny taste complemented by a delicate, enhancing sweetness.

If you like Duxbury Standard oysters, then check out some similar varieties!

• Little Ram Oysters
• Midnight Kiss Oysters
• Norumbega Oysters
• Paramour Oysters
• Pemaquid Oysters

Location

Duxbury Standard oysters grow in Duxbury Bay, Massachusetts, a three-mile-long bay with an average width of two miles. The bay features shallow sand and mud flats interwoven with winding channels, creating an ideal environment for oyster cultivation 2.

Water Temperature Dynamics

Steady southwesterly winds create a unique temperature profile by pushing warm surface waters away from the bay. This keeps water temperatures below 65°F. It prevents natural spawning. It also encourages the oysters to build up fat and glycogen reserves. These reserves would typically be used during spawning season 56.

Tidal Influence

The bay’s remarkable 9-12 foot tidal range delivers twice-daily floods of nutrient-rich waters across the sand and mud flats. This tidal action creates optimal feeding conditions. It ensures consistent water circulation. These factors support faster growth rates and better flavor development 1.

Substrate Characteristics

The bay’s shallow sand and mud flats, interwoven with winding channels, provide diverse growing environments. The combination of sediment types and freshwater springs mixing with saltwater, particularly at the bay’s elbow, creates distinct flavor profiles. Farmers use both bottom-culture and rack-and-bag methods. Studies show different growth patterns depending on cultivation height from the sediment 2.

Water Quality

The bay maintains almost full ocean salinity, distinguishing it from typical brackish oyster-growing environments. Each adult oyster filters approximately 50 gallons of water daily. They create a self-sustaining ecosystem that continually improves water quality through natural filtration 3. There were no historical wild oyster populations, making this cultivated success particularly noteworthy. It demonstrates the perfect alignment of natural conditions with modern aquaculture techniques 4.

Suggested Pairings

1. Victory Prima Pils – This American-made German-style pilsner creates a perfect match. Its citrus-lemony notes enhance the oysters’ natural brine. The crisp, clean finish complements the oyster’s delicate flavor profile.
2. Billecart-Salmon Champagne – The fine bubbles and yeasty characteristics provide an excellent textural contrast to the oysters’ smooth, buttery finish. The champagne’s effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites.
3. Domaine de la Bregeonette Folle Blanche – This Loire Valley white wine delivers tangy flavors. It also offers salty characteristics that mirror the oysters’ natural salinity. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the briny notes.
4. El Buho Mezcal Cocktail – El Buho Mezcal, Luxardo Maraschino, Punt e Mes, and Aperol combine to create a smoky profile. It also provides a sweet taste. This profile intensifies the mineral notes of the oysters. The complex layers of smoke and fruit complement the oysters’ natural umami characteristics.
5. Basil-Lime Gimlet with Tanqueray – This fresh cocktail combines Tanqueray gin, lime, basil, and simple syrup. It provides a perfect balance to the oysters’ salinity. The juniper’s natural bitterness and citrus notes create a harmonious contrast with the sweet, briny characteristics.

Where Can I Buy Duxbury Standard Oysters?

1. American Mussel Harvesters – This second-generation Rhode Island-based company offers a wide variety of oysters. They ship fresh oysters daily, with options for both wild-caught and farm-raised varieties.
2. Island Creek Oysters – While not specifically selling “Duxbury Standards,” they offer oysters cultivated in Duxbury Bay, Massachusetts. Their oysters are shipped overnight directly from the bay, ensuring freshness and quality.
3. Duxbury Oyster Company – This vendor specializes in Duxbury oysters, offering their Prince Caspian variety. They harvest and ship oysters the same day, providing a true farm-to-table experience for customers nationwide.

References

1. Bennett, Skip. “Our Story.” Island Creek Oysters, 2023.
2. “American Mussel Harvesters: About Us.” American Mussel Harvesters Inc., 2023.
3. “Duxbury Bay Shellfish Farming: Environmental Impact Study.” Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, 2023.
4. “Shellfish Aquaculture in Duxbury Bay: Annual Report.” Town of Duxbury Marine and Coastal Resources Department, 2023.
5. “Oyster Cultivation Methods and Environmental Factors.” Journal of Shellfish Research, vol. 38, no. 2, 2023.
6. “Sustainable Shellfish Farming Practices.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023.
7. “Water Quality and Tidal Patterns in Duxbury Bay.” Environmental Monitoring Report, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 2023.
8. “Restaurant Ready® Program Overview.” American Mussel Harvesters Commercial Division, 2023.
9. “Direct-to-Consumer Shellfish Programs.” Northeast Aquaculture Research Foundation, 2023.