ShanDaph Oysters

About Us

ShanDaph Oysters was established in May of 1999, but its roots reach back over thirty years.Owner/Operator Philip Docker’s grandparents helped to reestablish the growing and the harvesting of oysters on the pristine shores of Big Island, Nova Scotia. Over the decades, the native oyster seed they set in the 1960s and 1970s has matured into productive oyster beds.ShanDaphs are housed in growout units suspended in a water column, where they feed on the nutrient-rich waters of the ShanDaph farm. By completing the growth process suspended in the rich tidal waters of Big Island, ShanDaph ensures optimum growth conditions from the time they are set at less than a millimeter in size, to harvest at over 76 millimeters in size. The total process takes between three to five years.

By 1999 the first oysters were set and ShanDaph Oysters was born.Since then, the enterprise has grown steadily without compromise to the premium quality of its product, and ShanDaph Oysters have been served in fine dining establishments, presented by organizations hosting special events, and ordered by individual connoisseurs.And what about that name? ShanDaph Oysters is Philip’s tribute to his family and their love and respect of the water and its “oysters”. ShanDaph is a combination of Philip’s grandparents’ names. ‘Shan’ is derived from the WWII pilot flight name of Everett (Shan) Baudoux, and ‘Daph’ from Daphne Baudoux.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between cultured and naturally harvested oysters?

Simply answered, cultured and naturally occurring oysters feed on the same nutrients, but cultured oysters are often provided with a superior growing environment by means of bottom preparation, racks or floating/suspended growth units, which lends to a fuller oyster.

2. Can I put oysters in the freezer?

Yes, but once frozen, they are no longer living and should be eaten within three months. Allow 50 minutes to defrost them and cook them immediately.

3. Are oysters only edible in months containing the letter “r”?

No, but during non-‘r’ months, the meat of the oyster is not as full, therefore the quality of the meat is not as good.

4. What nutritional value do oysters have?

Oysters are rich in iron, zinc, vitamins and minerals. A single oyster contains just seven calories and is an excellent source of protein.

5. How did ShanDaph Oysters get its name?

ShanDaph Oysters is Philip’s tribute to his family and their long standing ties to Big Island and its oysters. ShanDaph is a combination of Philip’s grandparents’ names. ‘Shan’ derived from the WWII pilot flight name of Everett (Shan) Baudoux and ‘Daph’ from Daphne Baudoux.

6. How can I tell if an oyster is spoiled?

If there is a strong, pungent smell coming from an oyster, simply discard it. Note: ShanDaph Oysters are packed by hand and special care is taken to prevent inclusion of such oysters.

contact us

For all out of province sales & inquiries. Contact Philip.

ShanDaph Oysters

(902) 982-8581