Bagged oysters are more flexible in that they can manipulated to fit into tight coolers or refrigerators with other foods. However, the hap-hazard way bagged oysters are oriented inside the bag is not ideal. Sometimes oysters crack their shells to see if it is safe to open and start breathing again as they do in their aquatic environment. When they do this, particularly if the oyster is on its edge, all of the precious oyster liquor spills out of the oyster and dries it out.
Well-packed boxed oysters orient oysters with their cup side down. This not only saves space inside the box, but also helps the oyster from drying out. The box helps hold in moisture as well which ensures as many oysters stay viable and moist as possible. Boxes need to waxed or lined with wax or butcher paper. Otherwise, the box cannot hold up to the moisture.
As a final consideration, cardboard boxes is a more sustainable container than the plastic or nylon based bags. Members can request bagged or boxed oysters when you place your order with the Lynnhaven Oyster Club.
