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JEMCO New Zealand Oyster Styles

JEMCO Oysters are available in a variety of styles including whole shell (live and frozen) and on the half shell (fresh chilled and frozen). There is also limited volume of oyster meat (fresh or IQF).

JEMCO Oysters are carefully selected to meet strict JEMCO criteria, for shape, length, depth and meat content.

It is our philosophy that only the very best oysters will be selected for the JEMCO brand.

JEMCO Live Oysters

JEMCO live oysters are available from April onwards.

The inter-tidal growing method used gives a hardy oyster with a minimum live shelf life of 7 days from harvest when basic handling instructions are maintained (store at 4-6°c).

JEMCO Live oysters are available in peak condition during the northern hemispheres summer / autumn which is the off-season for local supplies.

JEMCO Tip
Once the live oysters are opened they can then be treated the same as fresh chilled half shell and have an additional recommended shelf life of 5 days from opening.

Fresh Chilled Half Shell JEMCO Oysters

Fresh chilled half shell JEMCO oysters are available from April onwards.

Offering the same taste sensation as live oysters with the added benefit of each oyster being carefully selected and presented in an easy to use style.

The recommended shelf life is 5 days from opening when basic handling instructions are maintained.

JEMCO Tip
To retain the products best quality please ensure efficient refrigeration is maintained, ideally 0-2°c.

Frozen Half Shell JEMCO Oysters

Frozen half shell JEMCO oysters are available year round. The majority of JEMCO'S oysters are produced in this style.

Over many years extensive research has been undertaken resulting in a procedure and finished product that gives consumers the enjoyment of live oysters whilst minimising the risks associated with live oyster consumption.

As frozen half shell there are also the following benefits:

• Optimum quality: The oysters are harvested and processed at their peak condition
• Consistent quality: Each oyster can be fully inspected prior to packing
• Less handling: The finished half shell product is easy to use with no need for you to have specialised opening staff
• Increased safety: Unlike live oysters the frozen oysters offer time. Prior to export we can ensure all water and factory test results are completely clear, giving us a product we believe is safer than live.
• Consistent supply: Frozen product it is available as required. Simply remove from the freezer and defrost (or cook from frozen) as needed.
• Price advantage: The high costs normally associated with purchasing and handling live oysters are avoided. Not only does frozen half shell offer the most cost effective transport, but wastage and handling costs normally associated with live oysters are avoided.
• Year round availability: You are able to develop a sales plan or menu that offers oysters in peak condition with a fixed unit cost.

The increasing demand for JEMCO brand frozen half shell is direct recognition of the product's quality and other benefits.

Quite simply our customers are recognising that frozen half shell offers a similar quality to live with increased safety and reduced cost.

JEMCO Tip
When handling frozen half shell oysters we recommend they are defrosted slowly. Ideally overnight in a chiller at 0-2°c, since a slow defrost maintains the natural taste sensation.

Once defrosted we recommend same day usage but with the correct temperature control the product has a potential shelf life of 2-4 days.