Standish Shore oysters stand out for their exceptional quality and unique growing process in Duxbury Bay, Massachusetts. These premium oysters benefit from a perfect balance of warm and cold waters, resulting in plump, flavorful meat throughout the year. The 10-foot tidal range in Duxbury Bay floods the oysters with nutrient-rich waters twice daily, contributing to their distinctive taste profile.
The farm’s innovative cultivation techniques set Standish Shore oysters apart. The oysters are tumbled multiple times before being planted on the bay’s sandy flats, which creates deep cups and strong shells. This combination of tumbling and bottom culture produces a uniform, hard-shelled oyster that’s both visually appealing and easy to shuck.
Standish Shore offers a variety of oyster grades to cater to different preferences and uses. Each grade maintains the farm’s commitment to quality, from the signature Selects to the smaller Petites and the rare Pangea Pearls. The farm’s dedication to sustainability and meticulous hand-selection process ensures that only the finest oysters make it to market, solidifying Standish Shore’s reputation as a premier oyster producer.
How Did Standish Shore Oysters Get Their Name?
Standish Shore oysters got their name from a local landmark. Ben Lloyd, the owner of the farm, named it after the Standish Shore peninsula. This area is located southwest of the farm site. The Standish Shore Monument stands on this peninsula, overlooking Duxbury Bay. Ben chose this name when he purchased the small oyster farm in Duxbury Bay in 2010. The name “Standish” likely refers to Myles Standish, a military leader of the Plymouth Colony
About Standish Shore Oysters
Ben Lloyd founded Standish Shore Oyster Farm in 2010, fulfilling his long-time dream of oyster cultivation. He named the farm after the nearby Standish Shore peninsula, where the Standish Shore Monument overlooks Duxbury Bay.
Lloyd began his journey in the oyster industry in 1996. He worked for Moonstone Oysters as a URI Marine Affairs student. In 2001, he founded Pangea Shellfish Company, a wholesale shellfish business. Nine years later, he purchased the small oyster farm in Duxbury Bay. The farm’s first growing season started with 400,000 oysters. Lloyd managed the farm while still running Pangea, working the tides before or after his day job. After overcoming initial challenges, Standish Shore harvested its first crop in 2012.
Since then, the farm has grown significantly. Today, Ben and his farm manager, James Kearns, lead a year-round crew. They now grow over 2.5 million oysters annually, a substantial increase from their initial 400,000.
Standish Shore produces four grades of oysters, including Standish Shore Oysters and Model T Oysters. They use innovative cultivation techniques, starting oysters in cages and then planting them on the bottom for final growth.
Follow Them
Experience the excellence of Standish Shore Oysters firsthand! Ben Lloyd and his dedicated team cultivate premium oysters in the pristine waters of Duxbury Bay, producing over 2.5 million exceptional oysters annually.
Their commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices shines through in every harvest. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, visit their official website to learn more. Culinary professionals can also discover their four distinct oyster grades. Explore their fascinating farming process as well.
Standish Shore Oysters Information
Oyster: Standish Shore
Species: Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster)
Cultivation Method: Bottom planted
- Selects: 3.5 inches
- Petites: 2.75 inches
- Standards: 3.75 inches
- Extra Large: 4 to 5 inches
- Jumbo: 5+ inches
Seasonality: Available year-round
Culture Method: Started in upwellers, moved to mesh bags, then bottom planted for final growth
Appearance: deep cups and strong shells, with a uniform shape. They are known for their clean, attractive appearance and consistent size. The shells are typically hard and well-formed, making them visually appealing and easy to shuck.
Flavor Profile: a complex flavor profile that begins with a briny punch. This initial saltiness gives way to a sweet and buttery taste, complemented by plump, meaty flesh. The finish reveals subtle notes of mushroom earthiness, creating a well-balanced and savory experience.
Location
Standish Shore oysters grow in Duxbury Bay, Massachusetts. This small bay sits within Cape Cod Bay. The location offers ideal conditions for oyster cultivation.
Duxbury Bay’s environment supports excellent oyster growth. Massive tides flood the bay twice daily. These tides bring nutrient-rich waters to the oysters. The bay experiences 9 to 12-foot tidal ranges.
The water temperature in Duxbury Bay remains cool year-round. Steady southwesterly winds blow warm waters away. This keeps the bay colder than the surrounding areas. The cold water prevents oysters from spawning. Instead, they build up fat and glycogen stores.
These environmental factors create perfect conditions for oysters. They develop plump, flavorful meat. The oysters grow strong shells with deep cups. Duxbury Bay’s unique features produce high-quality, distinctive oysters.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
- Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie
This crisp white wine complements the briny notes of the oysters. Its high acidity and subtle citrus flavors enhance the oysters’ sweetness without overpowering their delicate taste. - Chablis Premier Cru
A bone-dry Chablis pairs well with Standish Shore oysters. Its crisp acidity and mineral notes balance the oysters’ brininess. - Pilsner Urquell
This classic Czech pilsner’s crisp, clean taste and subtle hop bitterness cut through the oysters’ richness. Its light body and effervescence refresh the palate between bites. - Hendrick’s Gin Martini
The botanical notes in Hendrick’s Gin, particularly cucumber and rose, complement the oysters’ briny-sweet flavor. A dry martini’s crispness enhances the oysters’ clean finish. - Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne
This champagne’s fine bubbles and bright acidity cleanse the palate. Its subtle red fruit notes provide a pleasant contrast to the oysters’ salty-sweet flavor profile.
Where Can I Buy Standish Shore Oysters?
- Pangea Shellfish Company: They handle shipping, delivery, and pickup for Standish Shore oysters.
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