FAQ: Oyster CSA
What does CSA stand for?
CSA stands for Community-Supported Aquaculture and is similar to the concept of Community Supported Agriculture. You might also hear us refer to our CSA as a CSF which is a Community Supported Fishery. In developing our CSA program, we utilized the CSF standards outlined by Local Catch, a network of fishers, researchers, technical assistance providers, and community-based organizations across North America that are committed to strengthening local- and regional seafood systems through community-supported fisheries (CSFs). You can learn more about how we adhere to these standards in our Commitment to Sustainability.
Do I have to order a whole season?
Nope! You can order a single-month CSA share or a mini-season share which lasts three months.
How many oyster varieties are in each CSA share?
For our single-month CSA shares, each participant will receive 36 oysters from 3 farms across Massachusetts (a dozen each). Every month, we try to pick varieties that contrast in flavor profile and texture to keep things interesting. Those who order a CSA mini-season will also receive six free mystery oysters with every delivery. We’ll reveal the mystery oyster grower on delivery day in our Oyster Guide.
When will my CSA share arrive?
We currently deliver CSA shares once a month on Saturdays. We also offer pickup at our facility in South Chatham. CSA shares will arrive on the following dates of each month:
June 12th
July 10th
August 21st
September 18th
When do I need to order by?
Each month, we cut off CSA orders a week before delivery so that harvesters have time to plan their harvest schedule and we have time to map our delivery route. This month, orders must be placed by June 4th.
How will my CSA be packaged and how should I store my oysters?
Each variety in your CSA share will be contained in a separate biodegradable takeout container. These containers are stackable, so you can easily store the oysters in your fridge. It is very important that your oysters are placed in the fridge immediately after delivery and make sure they don’t come in contact with ice or freshwater.
Do I have to be there in person to receive my delivery?
To reduce our packaging and transportation footprint, we deliver our orders directly in a refrigerated truck without insulated packaging. This method also allows us to keep our costs low while ensuring our oysters are safely refrigerated. It is very important that you are home in person on the day of delivery to directly receive your oysters. We cannot leave orders on a stoop or with a doorman. Oysters need to be placed in the refrigerator ASAP and kept at a temperature below 45 °F.
What time will my delivery arrive?
Each delivery truck completes roughly 50 deliveries in a single day between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. If you have a time restriction on delivery day, please complete this form by June 7th to let us know what your availability is. Often we can accommodate time requests; however, in some cases, we may need to reschedule your delivery for another time or reimburse your share. A few days before the event, we will provide you with a time estimate of your delivery via text and throughout the delivery day, you will be able to track the progress of your delivery via text.
Once we arrive, we ask that you meet us at street level to receive your delivery in person. If you do not answer your phone during deliveries, we will have to move on and you will be charged for your CSA share.
What if I want extra oysters?
Every CSA participant has the option to add extra bulk oysters at restaurant prices to their CSA share. Bulk oysters of individual varieties come in 50 count bags and you can add as many bags as you like!
What if I don’t know how to shuck?
Our oysters come live, ready to be consumed raw. If you don’t know how to shuck oysters, head over to our Instagram page for easy shucking tutorials or check out our free shucking class on June 14th at 6 pm.
Warning: Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
Are my oysters traceable?
We utilize an innovative system called Blue Trace which allows us to trace every step in the supply chain from sea to consumer. Each CSA box contains a QR code tag which enables participants to see exactly when their oysters were harvested and who the harvester is. In our Oyster Guide, we go over the specifics of every oyster and oyster farmer in our CSA. These guides detail where, how, and who grew your oysters and also feature local beer, wine, cocktail, and cider pairings.