Oesterij special
Oyster-growing in the Netherlands was characterised mainly by bottom culture for the flat, Imperial oysters. However, growing of Creuses in the cultivation beds started to take off from the 1970s and '80s. At first only on the bottom, then later also using surface 'oyster racks'. By growing these oysters on racks, we have been able to create a lovely, deep, even shape (bottom-grown oysters are rougher and less uniform). These Oesterij Special oysters are grown mainly in hanging baskets at specially built locations. This growth takes a little longer as it is dependent on the waves. This means the oysters are usually 3 to 4 years old before they are ready for consumption.
| Breeding area | These lovely, full oysters are drawn from the best growing areas, with strong currents and a rich supply of nutrients. The Oosterschelde national park is the biggest national park in the Netherlands and is famous for its pure, clean water. The oysters are refined in our oyster basins using filtered Oosterschelde water. |
| Cultivation |
The Oesterij Special is grown in bags and baskets attached to 'oyster racks'. The action of the waves and tides gives these oysters a lovely, deep shape and a thicker shell. |
| Taste |
The affinage in purified Oosterschelde water ensures a beautiful, well-balanced, sweeter taste. As this is a special, these oysters are nice and full. This guarantees a rich, creamy taste sensation. |
| Season | In the summer we work with triploid oysters and in the winter with diploid oysters, meaning that these oysters are available in top quality all year round. |
The Farmer 'Oesterij'
The Dhooge family have specialised in the growing of crustaceans and shellfish since 1906. Their business “de Oesterij” is established in Yerseke in the Dutch Province of Zeeland and their growing beds are in the Netherlands' Oosterschelde, Grevelingenmeer and Waddenzee waters.
The Dhooge family specialise in the growing of crustaceans and shellfish. The business is currently in the hands of the fourth generation: brothers Jurrie, Gerrie & Jean. The Dhooge family are absolutely committed to delivering the highest quality products in a sustainable way. Long-term cooperation with customers and chefs is an essential component of this. For this reason, the family is more than pleased to welcome potential customers, chefs and hotel & catering schools to the Oesterij, where they have set up an information centre on the growing of oysters and mussels at the historic oyster beds. Alongside tours on land and on the water, here you can also taste their range of fresh oysters and mussels.
Meet a few of our oysters
Oesterij Special
This full, creamy Dutch oyster is grown in specially designed oyster baskets attached to oyster racks. This gives the oyster its lovely, deep shape. As the Oosterschelde is among the cleanest waters in the world, and we grow both diploid and triploid oysters, these oysters are available in top quality and with their unique taste all year round. We are proud that many top chefs have chosen this unique, special oyster and we can't wait for you to taste them!
Irish Mór
The IRISH MÓR label consists of a very strict selection of high-quality oysters from Ireland. We have teamed up with a select group of artisan oyster farmers who opt for quality rather than quantity, and who do so in a highly sustainable way. Thanks to our broader cooperation, we dispose of excellent full and creamy oysters all year round. The Irish Mór has a beautiful thick and smooth shell, with a pearly white inside and a beautiful deep cup.
Dutch Imperial
This unique Dutch oyster of exceptional quality is cultivated by the Dhooge Family (Oesterij) in Lake Grevelingen and the Eastern Scheldt. Due to the vulnerability of the Ostrea Edulis species, this oyster requires a lot of attention and care from the grower. The Dutch Imperial brand is a selection of the best flat oysters from the oyster farms in the Zeeland waters in the Netherlands. After careful selection, grading and checks, it is sold to well-known hotels and restaurants all over the world.