Oysters go on quite the journey from microscopic larvae to the amazing delicacies enjoyed by seafood enthusiasts all over the world. Even though their beginnings are humble, these bivalves undergo a huge transformation gradually forming shells and developing unique flavors and textures exclusive to the regions they grow in.
It Starts With Spat
Every oyster’s life will start as microscopic larvae that we call “spat”.These tiny creatures can be barely visible to the naked eye. They typically drift along the ocean currents until they find an ideal type of substrate to settle on. Emphasizing sustainability, we procure our spat from local sources, ensuring responsible stewardship of our marine resources.
How the Shell Forms
After the spat settles onto a suitable surface, spat start the process of forming their unique and beautiful shells. Through secretion of calcium carbonate, they gradually construct a protective shell in a process known as “calcification.” Believe it or not, oysters do not shed their shells; instead, they get larger as they grow. Although the average growth rate varies based on environmental factors and the type of nutrients in the surrounding waters, it typically averages about an inch per year. Oftentimes the oysters that you see at restaurants and in seafood markets are around 1 year old.
Feeding and Development
Mature oysters filter a significant amount of water, up to 50 gallons per oyster per day. Through filtering, they receive their nutrients and microscopic algae to help fuel their growth. This feeding process helps keep the oysters nourished but it’s also great for improving water quality. Oysters are undoubtedly a large part of our ecosystem. Because of all the hard work they do, they help keep the waters they’re in cleaner. Reproduction of oysters typically occurs between one and three years of age.
From Tide to Table
Here at Soundside Oyster Company, we always prioritize the optimal growth and treatment of every oyster, we utilize state-of-the-art Low Country Cages. It all starts with how we nurture our spat ensuring they are growing in the most optimum conditions and precise care. We also take great pride in hand-selecting each oyster by our dedicated farmers to ensure that only the finest bivalves make it from our farm to your table. Each oyster is sorted and prepared by hand, guaranteeing the highest quality Stump Sound oysters in North Carolina.
The growth of oysters is really an intricate process that is heavily dependent on nature and the diligence of those who steward and sustain its resources. We hope you’ve enjoyed the journey from tide to table and learning about how oysters grow. To learn more about the varieties we farm click here.