Oysters are a unique shellfish that are considered a delicacy around the world. But, in addition to their interesting and highly desirable flavor, they are more crucial to the ecosystem than many realize.
Not only do they filter harmful pollutants out of the water but they provide a solid habitat for other species like mussels and barnacles. So, while their meat is delicious and healthy, it’s important that we don’t neglect their survival as a species.
For this reason, you should always make sure you’re purchasing from a company that harvests them in a responsible and sustainable way. The best way to do this is to buy fresh oysters online. This way, you’ll see exactly where they’re coming from and you can make sure you’re happy with the company’s practices. It also ensures you’re getting them as fresh as possible, with most places shipping shortly after harvesting.
Once you’ve chosen a place to purchase from, you can enjoy the many health benefits offered by oysters. For starters, they contain several important nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, Vitamin B12, copper, manganese, selenium, iron, zinc, and more. All of these are crucial to the maintenance of overall health.
They’re also an excellent source of quality protein. Not only do they contain high amounts of protein, but it’s a complete protein. This means it contains all nine essential amino acids, so you’re getting the most value from your protein.
Though their health benefits are many, it’s also important to consider the risks. Eating raw oyster meat poses a fairly high risk of bacterial infection, so it’s crucial that the oysters are cooked properly before consumption. If you’re new to oysters and are unsure exactly how to go about it, take the extra time to read instructions and recipes carefully before you begin. Many websites have free recipes that contain appropriate cooking temperatures and times.
While you’re at it, why not look into other foods that you can buy online? There are countless options to choose from, including some more unusual products like truffles, breadfruit, and horseradish root.
Where to Buy Fresh Oysters Online
1.Taylor Shellfish Farms
Taylor Shellfish Farms has been around since 1891, always providing high-quality and sustainable shellfish throughout the Pacific Northwest. Their first offering was the small Olympia Oyster, farmed and harvested by the family’s great-great-grandfather. Every generation since has continued the legacy of the amazing, dedicated oyster farm that is Taylor Shellfish.
Not only is the family passionate about oysters but they are committed to sustainable practices and maintaining water quality. They use only the best farming techniques and they never stop thinking, improving, and innovating.
While oysters got them started and sustained the business for a long time, Taylor Shellfish Farms has been expanding steadily over the last 30 years or so. They still offer their premium oysters for sale but currently also have geoduck and muscles, along with a selection of half-shell oysters. The successful business is still owned by the original family and they currently employ more than 500 people, needing this much man-power to meet both local and widespread demand for their top-notch oysters and other shellfish.
Because oysters are not a regular food for many, they also have some great information on their website. This is mostly found on their blog, which contains a section on industry education. Here, you can learn about oysters, how to shuck them, and more. They also have an entire section of the website dedicated to recipes, for oysters and the other fish they have for sale. They do ship throughout the United States, though some states have certain restrictions which are outlined on the website.
2. Island Creek Oysters
Island Creek Oysters was founded by the son of a lobsterman, whose family had been living in the Island Creek neighborhood of Duxbury since the town’s inception in 1637. The founder grew up helping out on fishing rigs with his dad, gaining experience with mussels, clams, and steamers. Finding that he enjoyed the work, he tried his hand at some clams of his own when he grew up.
He enjoyed himself but eventually moved onto oysters, which is where Island Creek Oysters still is. Over the years he had some friends join him in the venture and by around 2000 it became a full-blown business. Today, they are going strong and getting better all the time. Their oysters are served in the finest restaurants in New York City and have even been served at the White House.
Oysters are their passion and their main product, though they also offer clams, shrimp, and caviar. You can also get shucking tools and other accessories to enhance your experience. Their oysters are harvested daily and shipped directly to you to arrive the next day – this ensures you get them when they’re as fresh as can be!
3. Real Oyster Cult
Real Oyster Cult began as a small group of friends who simply enjoyed oysters. Soon, they turned their passion into a business to spread the joy of fresh oysters. They work closely with many oyster farms throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and a few in Canada.
They select only the best and freshest oysters from their partner farms and offer them for sale on their website. This includes Wellfleet, Harvest Moon, Kaipara, and more. Also, part of their selection is pink lady oysters, from which a portion of profits are donated to breast cancer research.
For those that are just as passionate about oysters as they are, they have a small selection of merchandise. This includes t-shirts and wall art featuring oysters.
4. Goosepoint
Goosepoint began in 1975 when a couple started farming a small 10-acre section of tideland looking for the best oysters. They sold small amounts of iced oysters from the back of their pickup truck, and quickly gained the love and loyalty of many local customers. Word spread and today, they are a much larger company with a large base of loyal customers.
Not only do they sell great oysters, but they are committed to doing so sustainably. They take good care of their little slice of the sea, ensuring the oysters stay happy, healthy, and abundant in their natural habitat.
They offer oysters both shucked and in the shell. They also have several seafood meals pre-cooked and ready to serve if you’re looking for something easier and more efficient but don’t want to sacrifice quality.
If you’re new to oysters or just want to branch out a little, they have a recipe section on their website where you can find everything from oyster bruschetta and steaks to salad and fritters.
5. Cherrystone Aqua Farms
Cherrystone Aqua Farms has been around for more than 100 years and is currently owned by the fifth generation of the founding family. They are incredibly passionate about what they do, caring for the oysters from the beginning of the process through to the end. They raise their “bivalve babies” with care and consideration. Then, they use the safest and most sustainable farming practices they can to ensure they have absolutely no impact on the wild shellfish population.
They are even doing the wild population of shellfish a favor by improving the water quality for their own harvest. They work with several farmers who are as talented, experienced, and passionate about clams and oysters as they are. In addition to their top-notch oysters, they also offer a selection of clams, all of which are delivered fresh and to your door.
They’re proud to offer a wide variety of both clams and oysters, having a flavor for every palate and preference. Their selection ranges from sweet to salty and includes everything in between. They also have a selection of tools available to make your experience better and easier. All their products can be shipped across the entire United States.
Things to Consider When Buying Fresh Oysters Online
While many people enjoy oysters, it’s not the most common thing to have delivered to your door. For this reason, it’s important to be careful when you buy fresh oysters online. Consider the following things and make sure you’re buying from someone reputable.
Farming Practices
Ethical and sustainable farming practices have never been so important, especially when it comes to taking living things from our world’s ocean. If a company is so focused on profit that they don’t care for the species and their environment properly, they won’t maintain a good harvest.
Look into a company’s farming practices and make sure they’re leaving enough of the population for it to regenerate and continue surviving.
Type of Oyster
There are several different types of oysters and not all oyster farms will offer all of them. If you know what you want, you’ll have to find a farm that offers the exact variety you’re after. If you’re new to oysters you might actually have it easier. Find a farm you like and try what they’ve got on hand!
Availability
Like anything, oysters have their peak season. Once a farm runs out of its supply for the year, that’s it until they can harvest more. If you’re worried about missing out, be careful to watch the companies you like to see when their harvest season is to know when the oysters will go on sale.
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