About
Oysterponds Shelfish Co
It all started with a science experiment
Oyster seed being sieved through a mesh screen
Owner Reg Tuthill, Lyle Tuthill, and marine science professor John Holzapfel started growing oysters in the creek in 2001 as an aquaculture science project. Over the next couple of years, they grew enough oysters to start selling in New York City and locally, quickly building a following of loyal customers.
By 2003, Oysterponds Shellfish Company was born.
With the addition of key personnel the company has continued to grow, and is now distributing nationwide with enough oyster stock to meet the demands of the market. Oysterponds Shellfish Company is dedicated to producing oysters of the highest quality and freshness, maintaining a consistent year round supply.
Each year our 1mm and 2mm oyster seed is grown to 6mm in a land-based upwelling system. From there they graduate to our Floating Upweller System (FLUPSY) until they are ready to be deployed into the creek using our rack and bag system. Throughout their time in the creek, the oysters are continuously tumbled and culled.
The last few months of our grow out is done in our deep water farms in the Peconic Bay. Our entire process produces an oyster with a strong shell, deep cup, and full of meat. A well balanced flavor treasured by chefs across the country.
At Oysterponds Shellfish Company, we know chefs are responsible for more than just cooking. Today’s chefs manage the kitchen staff, educate service, source their food, create menus, and define the concept of a restaurant. They have been essential in the promotion of the farm-to-table movement, encouraging others to care not just about the flavors on their plate, but the story of where their food comes from.
Any chef interested in Oysterponds Shellfish Company oysters meets directly with the farmers. There is no middleman, only farmers Phil Mastrangelo and Brian Tuthill and their dedicated crew. Whether you pay a visit to the farm, or have Phil bring oysters directly to you, chefs will learn the history, and experience the remarkable taste first hand.
FARMERS: Phil Mastrangelo, Brian Tuthill
FARM LOCATION: Orient, NY
OYSTER VARIETIES: Orient Point Pearls, Oysterponds Select, The Grande
FLAVOR PROFILE:
Orient Point: Mild brine upfront with a balanced, sweet mineral finish.
Oysterponds Select: Briny upfront, full oyster flavor, with a stronger mineral finish
The Grande: Briny, full musky oyster flavor
WHERE TO FIND THE PRODUCT: Latham’s Farmstand, or by appointment.
FARMSTAND: Latham’s Farmstand, 21920 Main Rd, Orient, NY 11957
Storefront Hours:
8am-5pm Memorial Day Weekend through Thanksgiving
WEBSITE: oysterpondsshellfish.com