Chef’s Notes
Mason Bostwick · Executive Chef
Eastern oyster
Beach Plum — Beach Plum — Beach Plum is the bay-mouth line from the Fennelly family farm in Westport. Kerian built the town’s first aquaculture grants after URI training and years lobstering. Kristin runs Westport Sea Farms, where guests taste this cup beside Riptide and… Taber Point. I reach for Beach Plum when I want open-water brine with creamy Eastern follow-through.
Flavor chart
Chef palate read
Shuckability
Shell & line performance
When I buy it
Ask for Beach Plum tags from Kerian Fennelly’s Westport program, not a generic Buzzards Bay lot. The line sits beside Riptide and Taber Point at Westport Sea Farms tastings. Confirm the SKU on the manifest before you…
How I serve it
Plate on crushed ice with liquor intact. Heavy mignonette will bury the salinity arc these cups show. A light citrus wedge on the side is enough. The line suits half-shell flights next to other Buzzards Bay Easterns.…
What to watch for
Spawn-season milky liquor can appear on Crassostrea virginica in warm months. Shorten hold times and store colder through midsummer. Nor’easter runoff can shift nearshore salinity after heavy rain. Smell each cup before…
My read
Beach Plum is the bay-mouth line from the Fennelly family farm in Westport. Kerian built the town’s first aquaculture grants after URI training and years lobstering. Kristin runs Westport Sea Farms, where guests taste…
About Riptide Oyster Co.
Kerian Fennelly grew up in Westport and graduated from the University of Rhode Island in aquaculture and fisheries technology. He lobstered for years before the fishery economics pushed him toward shellfish farming. Aquaculture was new to the Westport River. Kerian worked with town officials to write local protocol while facing early public pushback.
Kristin Fennelly partners on the business and helped launch Westport Sea Farms at 2065 Main Road in Westport Point. The tasting room was modeled after winery visits where guests learn while they sip. The couple raises three daughters and treats the farm as a long-term family trade.
Follow Them
The Cultivation Process
Seed starts in a river nursery where tidal exchange feeds growing spat. Crews move stock to a separate bay lease when shells reach handle size. Suspended gear keeps oysters in the water column where wave action tumbles cups and hardens shells.
Grow-out runs about eighteen to twenty-four months before harvest tags ship to wholesalers. Kerian’s team bags, tags, and tracks lots under Massachusetts shellfish sanitation rules. That traceability is why raw bars can serve the line with confidence.
What Are Beach Plum Oysters?
Beach Plum oysters are a prized and distinctive variety. They are cultivated in the cold and nutrient-rich waters of the Cape Cod region in Massachusetts. Kerian Fennelly raises the line at Riptide Oyster Co. in Westport as one of three named cups poured at Westport Sea Farms.
These elongated, plump oysters boast a sweet, buttery flavor with a salty finish balanced by a unique mineral undertone. Their crisp texture and meaty flesh make them popular among oyster enthusiasts and seafood lovers. The cups finish on bay-facing lease ground exposed to Buzzards Bay fetch behind Horseneck Beach. All stock is Crassostrea virginica Eastern oyster grown about eighteen to twenty-four months.
Whether enjoyed raw or cooked, these flavorful oysters are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary heritage of the New England coast. Guests taste Beach Plum beside Riptide and Taber Point at the Westport Sea Farms tasting room on Main Road. Peak harvest tags run May through February when cold-water Easterns read highest on the half shell.
How Did Beach Plum Oysters Get Their Name?
Beach Plum Oysters likely derive their name from the coastal region where Riptide Oyster Farm cultivates them. Riptide Oyster Farm raises these oysters in Westport, Massachusetts, an area where beach plums traditionally grow. The name may reference Prunus maritima, the native beach plum shrubs foraged on southeastern New England dunes for generations.
By naming their oysters “Beach Plum,” Riptide Oyster Farm nods to the local coastal ecosystem and culture. Beach plums hold significance in the region’s heritage, with generations of East Enders foraging these fruits along the shore. This name evokes a sense of place and tradition.
About Riptide Oyster Farm
Beach Plum Oysters are cultivated by Riptide Oyster Farm, located in Westport, Massachusetts. The farm was established in 2010 by a former commercial lobsterman. He transitioned into oyster farming after studying Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology at the University of Rhode Island. The founders were motivated by a desire for change. They successfully obtained the first aquaculture grants in Westport’s history. This marked the beginning of their oyster farming journey1.
Riptide Oyster Farm operates with a focus on innovation and adaptation. They employ unique techniques tailored to their specific environment. This environment is characterized by strong tidal flows in Buzzards Bay. It also experiences continuous wave action. This setting allows their oysters to grow quickly in deep waters using longline cages. The farm distinguishes itself by evolving independently. It does not receive influence from neighboring farms. This independence enables them to develop specialized methods for cultivating high-quality oysters1.
The farm has grown into a year-round operation with a small team dedicated to producing premium oysters. They succeed because they work with the natural environment instead of against it. This approach allows them to craft oysters with a deep cup.
Follow Them
Discover the taste of Riptide Oysters! Visit Riptide Oyster Farm’s official website. Follow their social profiles. Stay updated on their unique farming techniques and seasonal availability. Learn the story behind these delicious Westport River oysters. Connect with Kerian and Kristin Fenelly’s passion for sustainable aquaculture. Experience the flavors that come from their innovative approach to oyster farming.
Beach Plum Oysters Information
Eastern oyster
If you like Beach Plum Oysters, check out these similar varieties!
Location
Riptide Oyster Farm cultivates Beach Plum Oysters in the East Branch of the Westport River. The farm is located in Westport, Massachusetts, at the entrance of Buzzards Bay. This unique location, situated behind Horseneck Beach, provides an ideal environment for oyster growth by combining river and ocean influences.
Environmental Factors
The Westport River estuary offers a dynamic ecosystem that supports rapid oyster development. Strong tidal flows and continuous wave action contribute to the oysters’ distinctive characteristics and quick growth. These currents ensure a constant supply of nutrient-rich water, essential for filter-feeding oysters.
The estuary water is brackish. Here, freshwater meets saltwater from Buzzards Bay. This mix creates an optimal salinity range of 26-30 parts per thousand for the oysters 12.
Riptide Oyster Farm employs suspended longline cages in deep waters, adapting techniques from Australian “Flip Farms.” This method takes advantage of the water column, exposing oysters to consistent water flow and food sources. The sand and mud bottom further enhances the oysters’ environment. It provides additional nutrients as tides and currents stir up the sediment 12.
These environmental factors combine to create ideal conditions for oyster growth and prosperity. Strong currents and wave action naturally tumble the oysters, promoting deep cups and sturdy shells. Nutrient-rich waters support rapid growth, allowing oysters to reach market size in 18-24 months.
The pristine conservation land surrounding the farm helps maintain water quality. This contributes to the health and flavor of Beach Plum Oysters 2. Horseneck Beach buffers the Westport River mouth where these bay-facing cups finish beside Buzzards Bay fetch.
This guide is part of the Raw Bar Bible — chef-level technique, safety, and gear so you can shuck and serve oysters with confidence.
Suggested Beverage Pairings
This bright and zesty white wine offers crisp acidity. It features citrus and green apple notes. These flavors complement the oyster’s briny and sweet profile. The vibrant flavors cut through the oyster’s natural richness, enhancing the freshness.
This is a classic Belgian-style wheat beer with hints of orange peel and coriander. The ale’s subtle citrus and spice flavors pair beautifully with the sweet and mineral undertones of Beach Plum oysters.
A classic vodka martini provides a clean base. It is smooth and highlights the oyster’s natural salinity. This accentuates its delicate sweetness. Add a lemon twist to amplify the freshness.
The effervescence of this champagne creates a perfect balance. Its apple and citrus flavors complement the oyster’s briny notes. The bubbles cleanse the palate, making each bite of the oyster even more enjoyable.
Hendrick’s is known for its botanical profile with cucumber and rose essences. It pairs well with the oyster’s sweetness. It also complements the oyster’s brininess. The gin’s floral complexity adds a sophisticated layer to the pairing.
Where Can I Buy Beach Plum Oysters?
If you’re looking to buy Beach Plum oysters, here are some options to consider:
- Island Creek Oysters: This company sells online and ships them directly to consumers.
- Seafoods of the World: This company sells fresh oysters online.
- J.J. McDonnell: This company sells Beach Plum oysters and other oyster varieties to wholesale customers.
- Feeser’s: This company sells Beach Plum oyster shells to wholesale customers.
It’s worth noting that availability may vary depending on the season and location. It’s best to check with the seller to confirm availability and pricing.
References
- Island Creek Oysters. Shop Other Oysters. Island Creek Oysters, https://shop.islandcreekoysters.com/collections/other-oysters. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
- Fulton Fish Market. Oysters. Fulton Fish Market, https://fultonfishmarket.com/collections/oysters. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.Seafoods of the World. Fresh Beach Plum Oysters. Seafoods of the World, https://www.seafoodsoftheworld.com/product/fresh-beach-plum-oysters. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
- J. Lohr. Sauvignon Blanc Wine Description. J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines, https://www.jlohr.com/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
- Allagash Brewing Company. Allagash White. Allagas Brewing Co., https://www.allagash.com/beer/allagash-white/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
- Moët & Chandon. Brut Imperial Description. Moët & Chandon, https://www.moet.com/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
- Hendrick’s Gin. Hendrick’s Original Gin. William Grant & Sons, https://www.hendricksgin.com/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
- Kim Crawford. Rosé Description. Kim Crawford Wines, https://www.kimcrawfordwines.com/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
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