Where do I get Fox Point Oysters?

You can pick up fresh, Fox point Oysters directly from The Cafe & Market at Emery Farm in Durham, NH from  June - December in the 'oyster fridge'!

Or at public events around NH and the seacoast. Check out the EVENTS page for details.

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Can I purchase pre-shucked oysters?

Shucked oysters for direct consumption by Fox point Oysters can be purchased at events only. 

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Why are oysters best freshly shucked?

When freshly shucked, they contain fresh liquor from the bay.  Yum. After a few days they begin to reabsorb their juices and less liquor is present. Same great taste, maybe a slightly different texture.

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How do I know I am getting a 'good' oyster? What should I look for when purchasing?

Ask the farmer or retailer when it was harvested. Look for oysters with a thick, tightly closed shell.  Open shells indicate a dead oyster. Be sure the oysters have been properly tagged by the harvester.  If you purchase from a store ask where the oysters come from and when they were delivered. 

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Can I eat oysters any time of the year?

Fox Point Oysters harvests during the spring, summer and fall. But you can eat oysters anytime.

In the past it was a good idea to purchased oysters only during the months with an 'R' in them.  This is no longer the case as cultivation and farming methods have changed.  In New England, the months of May, June, July and August (months without 'R') are the hotter months and oysters sitting in the sun can be problematic. Oysters also spawn in warmer months and send out larvae which can help replenish natural oyster beds.  The oysters may be a bit thinner after spawning but they remain healthy and delicious! And they take a snooze in the winter because there is less food in the water. This will keep them from growing, but they can still be eaten. 

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How do I shuck an oyster?

Check out the Oyster Care and Shucking page. ​

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How to care for oysters after purchase:

It is best to get the oysters straight into a cooler or refrigerator directly after purchase. Place them in the refrigerator (preferably the crisper) on a plate with cup side down (to retain their juices) and cover gently with a slightly damp cloth. DO NOT seal the oysters during lengthy transport or storage. They need to breathe. DO NOT let them sit in water or ice that is melting. They can keep fresh for about 5-7 days in the perfect refrigerated conditions, but best served fresh.

If an oyster shell is open, discard immediately.  

If serving raw on the half shell, place the shell, cup side down, on a bed of crushed ice.  Serve promptly once removed from the refrigerator or cooler.   

 

Are oysters aphrodisiacs?  

Well, they are raw, sexy, slick and feel nice sliding down the throat. Some say that makes a heck of an aphrodisiac! Some say they are high in zinc and a rare amino acid that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. Judge for yourself!

 

 

How to Shuck an Oyster

There are many oyster shucking guides out there.  I have linked to a few below.