Join Fair Food and the Cape May Oyster Cooperative for an evening that's all about the oyster. Rutgers University shellfish aquaculture specialist Lisa Calvo and Co-op farmers representing Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm, Betsy's Cape Shore Salts, and Dias Creek Oyster Company will share a history of the oyster in New Jersey waters, from abundant supply centuries ago that made oysters a staple food for the poor; to their decline after years of over-harvesting and environmental change made oysters scarce in our region; to today, when independent oyster farmers and cooperatives are bringing back this industry with some of the best oyster varieties on the market.
After lecture, discussion and a shucking lesson, a flight of oysters from Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm, Betsy's Cape Shore Salts, and Dias Creek Oyster Company will be served along with complimentary beverages from our 2014 sponsors Philadelphia Brewing Co. and Commonwealth Ciders.
Food School tickets are nonrefundable. This is a private event.
About the Cape May Oyster Cooperative
The Cape May Oyster Cooperative is a community of oyster growers dedicated to the sustainable production of high quality eastern oysters. Farm-raised in the southernmost waters of the Delaware Bay in Cape May, the Co-op’s oysters are grown from hatchery seed using a variety of traditional and cutting-edge aquaculture techniques. The combination of tidally sweeping ocean minerals and rich nutrients from the Bay Shore’s pristine wetlands creates oysters of exceptional taste and meat quality. The Co-op serves specialty niche local markets where a "know your farmer, know your food" ideal is valued. Strengthening its community of member farmers through shared knowledge, facilities, and marketing, the Cooperative forges a collective path forward that could not be achieved by any single individual farm.
About the Fair Food Farmstand
Located in the Reading Terminal Market, the Fair Food Farmstand carries a wide variety of products from more than 90 sustainable farms and food producers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, including urban farms within the city of Philadelphia. We emphasize local and artisanal foods from small-scale farms and producers, like humanely and pasture-raised meats, poultry and eggs; organic and specialty fruits and vegetables; and raw milk cheeses.
Launched in 2003 to increase access to local food, the Farmstand offers the product mix of the best farmers markets with the convenience and accessibility of a grocery store. The Farmstand is open 7 days a week year-round, providing a steady wholesale market to our vendors and demonstrating the agricultural bounty of our region.
