Moonstone Oysters

Moonstone oyster farmers cultivate these Atlantic oysters in Point Judith Pond on the Rhode Island coast just south of Narragansett Bay. East Coast restaurants and New Englanders highly favor their deep cups and full-bodied flavor. Moonstone oysters are a part of Rhode Island’s Blue Economy, which promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

About the farm

Moonstone oysters come from a farm owned by John and Cindy West and operated by the West family. It is located in Point Judith Salt Pond, Rhode Island. The oysters are raised in Point Judith Pond and finished in the rich bottom clay. The farm is on the Rhode Island coast just south of Narragansett Bay. Several generations of the West family continue farming oysters in Point Judith Pond. The farm’s core values are stewardship and sustainability.

Moonstone Oysters Information

Oyster: Moonstone

Cultivation Method: Cultivated using the rack and bag method. This method involves growing oysters in mesh cages or bags that float about one to two feet off the bottom of the pond

Seasonality: Feb- Dec.

Size: 3.25″+

Culture Method: Bottom culture method uses the natural sea floor as the base.The rich clay at the bottom of Point Judith Pond sets the oysters.

Salinity: 28 – 32 ppt

Appearance: Beautiful white shells with black markings. They are known for their deep cups and large size, with an average size of 3.25 inches. The oysters have plump meat and meaty texture

Flavor Profile: They have an intense, full-bodied brine start and a lingering nutty tannic finish.

Location

They are in Point Judith Pond, on the Rhode Island coast just south of Narragansett Bay.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Muscadet – The high acidity of Muscadet complements the briny flavor of oysters, making it a popular pairing.
2. Chablis– The mineral sea-breeze character of Chablis complements the oysters’ briny character.
3. Champagne– a classic pairing for oysters. Champagnes typically have a yeasty, bready flavor that complements the briny flavor of oysters.
4. Viognier – From France, is an excellent alternative to classic pairings.
5. The Old King Cole Martini – is an excellent pairing for Moonstone oysters because the gin’s botanicals complement the oysters’ briny flavor, while the olives provide a salty contrast.

Where to Buy Moonstone Oysters

Moonstone oysters are sold by a variety of retailers and seafood partners.

1. J.J. McDonnell: J.J. McDonnell is a seafood partner that sells oysters. They offer nice, large oysters from Point Judith Pond, RI.
2. Ocean State Shellfish Cooperative: The Ocean State Shellfish Cooperative harvests Moonstone oysters from Point Judith Pond in Rhode Island and sells them.
3. Fortune Fish & Gourmet: Fortune Fish & Gourmet sells Moonstone oysters that are power-washed to strengthen and clean the shells.