Sustainability

Q: What makes Ned’s Island Oysters a sustainable business?
A: Despite their small size, oysters have a disproportionately large effect on their local environments. Oysters eat by filtering out micronutrients from seawater at a rate of about a gallon an hour. Due to their ability to filter such a large volume of water in a short period of time, oysters play a vital role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy. By only harvesting our cultured oysters, Ned’s Island keeps the strain off the wild population, ensuring that there are always a bountiful number of oysters that keep Long Island Sound’s waters clean and clear.

Oyster Aquaculture

Q: How are your oysters cultured?
A: We start by selecting only the strongest, most disease-resistant oysters in our stock. We then place them in water heated to 30º C to simulate their warmer summer breeding conditions. This process, known as conditioning, encourages them to spawn. Any given spawn can produce between 180-220 million oyster larvae. From there the larvae go into individual tanks and are fed a steady diet of algae. Eighteen days later they are placed in different tanks where the larvae attach to small grains of ground shell, in a process known as setting, where they begin to grow their shell. During this metamorphosis anywhere between 30-60% will die. They are continually fed algae and remain in these tanks for another two weeks. From the setting tanks they are transferred to larger nursery tanks before being finally placed in the hands of Mother Nature. At this point they are no longer fed algae and instead begin to feed directly from surrounding seawater as it is pumped through the tank. Shortly thereafter we move the oysters to waters outside of the hatchery, and only two years time stands between them and your dinner table.

Ordering

Q: What quantities are available?
A: 12, 24, 50, 100 count bags.

Q: Do you sell wholesale?
A: Unfortunately at this time we are unable to sell wholesale.

Q: When should I place my order?
A: We harvest and ship three times a week, Monday through Wednesday. If you want your oysters to arrive during the middle of the week, please place your orders by Monday morning. If you want your oysters to arrive before the weekend, please place your orders no later than Tuesday night so they are shipped on Wednesday. We do this to ensure that our oysters make it from our dock to your door as fresh as possible.

Shipping & Handling

Q: How will my order be packaged?
A: Ned’s Island Oysters will arrive in an insulated cardboard box labeled “Refrigerate Upon Arrival.” Inside that box the oysters will be accompanied by reusable frozen gel ice packs to maintain their temperature and will be wrapped in thermal bags. Also, in your package you will notice a time & temperature indicator, which will show you if the oysters have been exposed to detrimental temperatures for an extended period. Customers should check this tag IMMEDIATELY upon opening the package. If you receive your package and your time & temperature indicator reveals prolonged exposure, please call us as soon as possible so that we can determine if your oysters are safe to eat.

Q: On the tag attached to my oysters it says that they were harvested by Sargents Cove, who are they?
A: Sargents Cove is our parent company and holds all of our harvesting permits.

Q: How much does shipping cost?
A: For your convenience, all UPS Ground shipping costs are flat-rate and are included in the cost of your order. For any order shipped UPS Next Day and 2 Day Air, all flat-rate shipping fees are waived and customers will be responsible for the full shipping cost.

Q: How long will it take for my oysters to arrive?
A: All Ned’s Island orders that are shipped flat-rate UPS Ground will arrive to the customer's location within two days. Please see the map below to determine if you fall within that ground shipping area. We are currently determining a safe and effective packaging solution for customers that wish to receive orders shipped via UPS Ground who are outside of our 2-day range.

Storing, Shucking & Eating

Q: How do I store my oysters and how long will they keep?
A: Ned’s Island Oysters can be stored in their mesh bags in a refrigerator between 33-40º F for up to a week after their arrival. Oysters need to breathe, never store them in airtight bags or containers. If the oyster’s shell is open and does not close when tapped, the oyster should be discarded.

Q: What’s the best way to shuck a Ned’s Island Oyster?
A: We recommend using a special shucking knife (available for purchase), but a number of instruments can get the job done in a pinch. Be sure to wear gloves, or use a thick towel to hold the oyster. Do your best to hold it level so you do not spill the liquid inside. The easiest way to open oysters is to start at the hinge. Carefully work your knife between the top and bottom shell, and then give it a twist to pop it open. Next, cut the abductor muscle that holds the two sides of the shell together and toss the top shell. Then run your knife around the edges to release the oyster from the bottom shell. Shucking an oyster for the first time can be a little daunting, but rest assured you will get better with practice. Keep at it; it’s a process that we promise is absolutely worth it.

Q: How should I serve Ned’s Island Oysters?
A: Please see our Recipes section for a list of our favorites.