Stellar Mar Oysters

Quick Facts

1. Origin: Stella Mar Oysters are grown off the coast of Connecticut in the Long Island Sound.
2. Cultivation method: They use an innovative off-bottom, vertical grow-out technique, which minimizes environmental impact.
3. Flavor profile: Stella Mar Oysters offer a balanced taste with refreshing, aqueous qualities and subtle cucumber notes.
4. Environmental impact: These oysters act as natural water filters, improving water quality in their habitat.
5. Availability: Stella Mar Oysters are distributed by Element Seafood along with other East Coast oyster varieties.

What Are Stellar Mar Oysters?

Stella Mar Oysters, grown off the coast of Connecticut, are changing the state’s oyster industry. They use innovative cultivation methods 2. These bivalves are raised using an off-bottom, vertical grow-out technique, which sets them apart from traditional oyster farming practices 2.

The unique growing environment of Stella Mar Oysters contributes to their distinct flavor profile. Unlike some northeastern-grown oysters that are intensely briny, Stella Mar Oysters offer a more balanced taste 5. Their meat has a refreshing, aqueous quality. It also features subtle cucumber notes, making them an ideal choice for summer consumption 5.

Stella Mar Oysters not only provide a delightful culinary experience but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Like other shellfish, they act as natural water filters, removing excess nutrients and improving water quality in their habitat 4. Stella Mar Oysters serve a dual role as a gourmet delicacy. They also function as an eco-friendly organism. This makes them a unique and valuable addition to Connecticut’s aquaculture landscape.

How Did Stellar Mar Oysters Get Their Name?

Stella Mar Oysters got their name from a personal connection to one of the founders. Steve Schafer, co-owner of Stella Mar Oyster Co., named the company after his daughter Stella 1. The name “Stella Mar” combines his daughter’s name with a nod to the sea. It reflects the family connection and the marine environment where these oysters are cultivated.

About Stellar Mar Oyster Company

Stella Mar Oyster Co. was founded by Steve Schafer and Jardar Nygaard. They cultivate Stella Mar Oysters off the coast of Connecticut in the Long Island Sound 1. The company emerged from a fortuitous partnership between two friends with diverse backgrounds in the seafood industry.

Steve Schafer, originally from the Midwest, developed a passion for seafood during family summers in Westport. He transitioned from a career in golf to the seafood industry. He worked in various roles, including sustainability and regional fishery management 1. Jardar Nygaard, on the other hand, grew up in the industry. He was born in Norway, but moved to the US at age four. He began working in seafood markets as a teenager 1.

The company operates with a focus on sustainability and innovation. They use an off-bottom, vertical grow-out method that minimizes environmental impact while maximizing oyster quality 1. This technique allows for high production without reaching full carrying capacity or putting pressure on the ecosystem 1.

Stella Mar Oyster Co. aims to redefine Connecticut oysters by producing artisanal, boutique oysters with a unique flavor profile. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in their farming practices, which enhance biodiversity and contribute positively to the marine ecosystem.

Follow Them

Discover the unique taste of Connecticut’s finest oysters! Visit Stella Mar Oysters’ official website at www.stellamaroysters.com to learn more about their innovative farming practices and sustainable approach. Follow them on social media for the latest updates, recipes, and oyster inspiration. Don’t miss out on experiencing these exceptional bivalves – your taste buds will thank you!

• Instagram

Stellar Mar Oysters Information

Oyster: Stella Mar Oysters
Species: Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Cultivation Method: Off-bottom, vertical grow-out technique
Size: 4″ harvest size
Seasonality: Year-round, with seed planting in late April
Culture Method: Subtidal, using innovative vertical farming equipment
Salinity: 27-32 ppt

Appearance: Bronze and gold shells with distinctive feathery, pink contours at the edges. They have a deep cupped shape, and display layers that indicate the oyster’s growth seasons. The tumbling process during cultivation helps create thicker, more durable shells with smooth edges.
Flavor Profile:  a delicious brine upfront, followed by a creamy and mineral chew. The finish is sweet and velvety, with some describing a subtle southern Mexico tequila note. These oysters present a balanced taste with refreshing, aqueous qualities and subtle cucumber notes.

If you like Stellar Mar Oysters, then check out these similar varieties!

• Mystic Oysters
• Great White Oysters
• Pearl Bay Oysters
• Love Shuck Oysters

Location

Stella Mar Oysters are cultivated off the coast of Connecticut. They grow in the Long Island Sound, specifically near Shippan Point in Stamford. This location provides an ideal environment for oyster growth and prosperity due to several key factors.

The Long Island Sound offers deep water conditions. Its depths reach up to 30 feet where Stella Mar farms their oysters 4. This depth allows for a unique growing environment compared to traditional oyster farming methods. The deep water provides access to a diverse range of nutrients throughout the water column. These nutrients contribute to the oysters’ plump meats. They also enhance the oysters’ full flavor profiles 4.

The water quality in this area of Long Island Sound is particularly suitable for oyster cultivation. The sound’s ecosystem supports a rich diversity of phytoplankton, which serves as the primary food source for oysters 13. The natural tidal movements bring fresh nutrients and oxygen to the oysters. This process promotes their healthy growth. Additionally, the water temperature is monitored regularly. The salinity and dissolved oxygen levels are also checked to ensure they contribute to optimal oyster development 13.

Furthermore, the location’s salinity levels are optimal for Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), the species cultivated by Stella Mar 1. The brackish waters of Long Island Sound are influenced by both freshwater inputs from rivers. They are also influenced by the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean. This combination creates a balanced environment that supports robust oyster development 3. Deep water, nutrient-rich currents, and ideal salinity create a unique combination of environmental factors. This makes the Long Island Sound an exceptional location for Stella Mar’s innovative oyster farming practices 4.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label
   This champagne’s crisp acidity is delightful. Its fine bubbles complement Stella Mar Oysters’ briny start. They also enhance the oysters’ creamy texture. Its subtle notes of apple and brioche enhance the oysters’ sweet finish without overpowering their delicate flavors.
2. Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie
   This Muscadet has high acidity. Its mineral character mirrors the oysters’ briny profile. Together, they create a harmonious pairing. Its subtle citrus notes cleanse the palate. The slight effervescence prepares it for the next delicious bite of Stella Mar Oyster.
3. Pilsner Urquell
   The crisp, clean flavor of this classic Pilsner cuts through the creamy texture of Stella Mar Oysters. Its light hoppy bitterness and subtle malt sweetness balance the oysters’ brine and enhance their subtle cucumber notes.
4. Hendrick’s Gin Martini
   Enjoy it with a twist. The botanical notes in Hendrick’s Gin, particularly cucumber and rose, complement the subtle cucumber flavor in Stella Mar Oysters. The martini’s crispness and the lemon twist’s citrus notes accentuate the oysters’ mineral qualities and sweet finish.
5. Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
   This dry, crisp sherry’s saline quality mirrors and amplifies the brininess of Stella Mar Oysters. Its nutty, yeasty flavors provide a complex contrast to the oysters’ sweet, velvety finish, creating an intriguing flavor combination.

Where Can I Buy Stellar Mar Oysters?

1. Stella Mar Oyster Company:
   • Pick up your order at their dock at 330 Ludlow Street in Stamford, CT
   • They offer pickup times on Fridays and Saturdays (specific hours may vary)
2. Element Seafood:
   • Element Seafood is a wholesaler that lists Stella Mar as one of their East Coast oyster offerings
   • You can contact Element Seafood at 718-858-5228 for wholesale availability