Rooted in history
As the eastern-most hamlet on Long Island’s North Fork, Orient was established within the town of Southold in 1640. Originally named Poquatuck by local Native Americans, and later named Oyster Ponds because of the nearby oyster beds in the surrounding waterways, the hamlet officially became Orient in 1836. The harbors and fertile land attracted fisherman, farmers, and tradesmen, who began building their homes and businesses as early as 1661.
The hamlet was originally settled by five local families, one of which being the Tuthill family, that founded Oysterponds Shellfish Company.
Oyster farming on Long Island itself began in the early 1800s, as Bluepoint oysters became a popular staple in New York dining. Towards the end of the century, these popular oysters no longer grew in the wild, and harvesters had begun to farm their own the meet the demand.
Dedicated to sustainability
At the heart of our work is a dedication to nurturing marine ecosystems through sustainable practices. By strategically deploying over 350 submerged cages along sunken trawl lines, we've established artificial reefs that play host to thousands of juvenile fin fish, crabs, seahorses, and seaweed, all while supporting a flourishing wild oyster community.
Our approach is designed to be gentle on the environment, avoiding harmful techniques like dredging. We acknowledge the impact and importance these creatures have on our environment which is why we tread very lightly. Oysters ability to filter water and sequester carbon makes them invaluable allies in our mission for cleaner oceans.
We firmly believe in the harmonious balance between consumption and conservation. When you savor our oysters, you're also contributing to the growth of our oyster population. With over 10 million oysters thriving in our waters today, our goal is to continue to grow this number.
Cultivating the finest
Nothing beats the taste of a freshly harvested oyster. We take great care in cultivating our oysters from tiny seeds until they reach market size.
Emphasizing top-notch quality and sustainability, our oysters grow in nutrient-rich waters under ideal conditions, allowing them to develop unique flavors for a truly exceptional dining experience.
Proud to be NY State Grown and Certified, we deliver live, fresh oysters straight from the beautiful East End of Long Island.
