Chef’s Notes
Mason Bostwick · Executive Chef
Standish Shore Oysters — 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,… 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…
Flavor chart
Chef palate read
Shuckability
Shell & line performance
When I buy it
Look for Standish Shore Oysters in peak season when salinity peaks.
How I serve it
On the half shell with minimal garnish — let the oyster speak.
What to watch for
Full brine with creamy finish. Reject any with broken shells or milky liquor.
My read
Strong minerality — earthy. A solid tumbled eastern oyster.
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
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.
