How Do You Ship Live Oysters Without Killing Them?
Answer:
Live oysters are shipped in breathable, insulated packaging with cold packs to keep them at the ideal temperature throughout transit. At Willapa Wild, every box is hand-packed for freshness and includes a FreshTag temperature indicator. This allows both you and us to verify that your oysters stayed safe and cold from our bay to your door.
📦 How We Ship Live Oysters at Willapa Wild
Oysters are alive when they leave the farm. They should still be alive when they reach your table. Here's how we ensure that:
✅ 1. Cold Chain Control
We pack every order with gel ice packs and thermal insulation to maintain a temperature between 35 and 40°F. This is the ideal dormant range for safe travel.
✅ 2. Breathable Packaging
Oysters need to breathe. We use mesh or burlap inside ventilated boxes. We never use airtight bags or plastic containers.
✅ 3. Insulated Shipping Boxes
Our double-wall cardboard boxes with thermal liners help maintain stable temperatures, even during long transit times or in warm weather.
✅ 4. FreshTag™ Monitoring
Every shipment includes a FreshTag. This temperature-sensitive indicator changes color if the box ever exceeds safe temperature thresholds.
🔹 Why it matters:
FreshTags give you visual proof that your oysters remained within the safe zone. It’s your built-in freshness check and part of our commitment to deliver with integrity.
✅ 5. No Standing Water
We never ship oysters in water. Instead, they travel dry with their natural liquor sealed inside the shell, preserving both safety and flavor.
📍 Shipping Methods & Timing
• Orders typically ship overnight or via two-day express.
• We avoid Friday shipping unless Saturday delivery is confirmed.
• Local delivery may be available through our cold chain or trusted partners.
• Every box includes storage instructions and FreshTag guidance.
🔎 How to Tell if Your Oysters Arrived Alive
• Shells should be closed or should close when tapped.
• A wide-open shell that does not respond should be discarded.
• The smell should be clean and oceanic, not fishy.
🛠️ What to Do When They Arrive
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Check the FreshTag.
If it indicates safe temperatures, you are good to go. -
Refrigerate cup-side down.
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Cover with a damp towel.
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Consume within 7 to 10 days for peak quality.
🌊 Why Willapa Wild Oysters Ship So Well
• Our oysters are grown in cold, high-flow waters, making their shells strong and their meats resilient.
• We harden oysters before shipment to help them endure transit.
• Tide-tumbled gear helps create durable shells and strong structure, making our oysters more travel-ready than soft-tank varieties.
♻️ Toward Sustainable Shipping
We are actively testing:
• Biodegradable coolers
• Recyclable insulation
• Compostable outer materials
This way, you can feel good about what arrives and how it got to you.
🧭 Final Word
You’re not just receiving oysters. You’re receiving a live, traceable taste of Willapa Bay.
From our hands to your table, with freshness you can see and flavor you can trust.