On the Chesapeake we have been lucky the past two years to have experienced relatively mild winters. 2022 things have kicked up a notch as expected. Exposed on the Chesapeake Bay, White Stone is subject to all of mothers nature's fury. The cold temperatures are not fun but they can be managed with a few extra layers of clothes. What gives us the real challenge managing an oyster farm over the winter are the rushing winds of Nor’easters.
Nor’easters (named from the direction of the storm's wind) are low pressure winter storms that typically form 100 miles off the US eastern coasts between North Carolina and Massachusetts. Typically associated with heavy rain or snow, they can cause coastal flooding, hurricane-force winds and blizzard conditions. These storm patterns are unique to the Mid Atlantic, New England and eastern Canadian regions and thrive on the two colliding masses of polar and warm gulf stream air.
Nor’easters are fantastic for helping shape and clean our oysters but they are absolutely ruthless on our gear. Our site was selected for its turbulent water conditions and these conditions deliver many of the characteristics that make a White Stone Oyster unique. The constant rocking motion delivers a polished oyster shell that produces consistent growth rings from hinge to bill. They also play a major role in the development of the high quality meat in our oyster. White Stone’s are fit and healthy from a constant flow of dense, algae rich water, only found at the surface of our water column.
So don't worry about braving the winter to get ahold of some delicious oysters. Curl up by the fire for some playoff football or some good reading and we will do the heavy lifting for you. This is what we do.
Check out this oyster soup recipe from Grandpa Ricks “Big Red Cookbook”. This should keep you warm this winter.
Tom Perry
Oyster Farmer and CEO
White Stone Oysters
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