Riptide Oysters

Riptide Oysters are farmed and harvested from the Westport River, a small estuary in Westport, Massachusetts, at the entrance of Buzzard’s Bay near the border. Kerian Fenelly and his wife Kristin started the farm in 2009. They were the first in Westport to receive an aquaculture grant. After being inspired by the farm-to-table food trend, Kerian transitioned to oyster farming despite having a background in lobstering and aquaculture.

The oysters take just over a year to grow and cultivate a robust, sweet, and briny flavor for the market. The Westport River’s brackish water and tumbling process give Riptide Oysters a unique taste. These factors have resulted in the oysters’ distinctive characteristics.

About Riptide Oyster Farm

Kerian Fenelly is the founder of Riptide Oysters. Inspired by a local oyster farmer, he started his own oyster farm. This conversation made him realize he had the perfect spot for a similar operation near his home in Westport, Massachusetts. He strongly wanted to educate people on the origin of their food and why it tasted so delicious.

He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in fisheries and aquaculture. After that, he spent six years lobstering. Later, he transitioned to oyster farming. He described it as his “dream job” despite its challenges.

Kerian Fenelly faced several challenges when starting Riptide Oysters. Kerian and his wife established the oyster farm in 2010. Since it was the first in Westport to receive an aquaculture grant, they had to navigate the complexities of setting up and running it. Additionally, the nature of oyster farming itself presented challenges, including the need for continuous, labor-intensive work with no days off. Despite these difficulties, Keiran’s passion and dedication to oyster farming have driven the success and growth of Riptide Oysters.

Riptide Oysters Information

Oyster: Riptide

Species: Crasostrea Virginica

Cultivation Method: Farmed for 18-24 months. The farmers place the oysters in floating bags modeled after Australian “Flip Farms” and grow them deep in the East Branch of the Westport River, right behind Horseneck Beach.

Seasonality: May-February

Size:2.5-3″

Culture Method: The nursery nurtures the oyster seeds until they reach a certain size, then transfers them to mesh bags and cages for further growth. The seeds receive food from the natural tides and currents, with assistance from the nursery’s pump.

Salinity: 26-30 ppt

Appearance: Sturdy white shells with brown and black coloration. Classic teardrop shape with rippled left shells (bottom) and fluted edges. Plump and juicy meats with a firm bite.

Flavor Profile: known for their robust, sweet, and briny flavor. They have a distinctive “dirty” taste with a salty black olive flavor up front and an aftertaste almost resembling Brussels sprouts.

Location

The Westport River, a small estuary in Westport, Massachusetts at the entrance of Buzzard’s Bay near the border, cultivates Riptide Oysters. The farmers cultivate the oysters in the depths of the East Branch of the Westport River, located right behind Horseneck Beach.

Suggested Beverage Pairings

1. Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne – This champagne’s crisp, clean, and mineral notes, along with its effervescence, make it an excellent pairing for Riptide Oysters, as it complements the oysters’ briny and robust flavor.
2. Guinness Draught Stout – The creamy and rich texture of Guinness Draught Stout complements the briny and robust flavor of Riptide Oysters, making it an ideal pairing for oyster enthusiasts.
3. Negroni Sbagliato with Extra Prosecco – The Negroni Sbagliato, a bubbly and lightly bitter cocktail, pairs well with Riptide Oysters, enhancing the oysters’ sweet, fresh, and oceanic flavor. Adding extra Prosecco to the cocktail further elevates the pairing.
4. Hendrick’s Gin Martini – The dry and crisp profile of a Hendrick’s Gin Martini makes it a versatile and timeless pairing for Riptide Oysters, as it complements the oysters’ briny and robust flavor, providing a delightful drinking experience.
5. Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé – This light-bodied rosé wine with minimal tannins is suitable for pairing with Riptide Oysters, as it complements the oysters’ substantial characteristics and fruity notes, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Where Can I Buy Riptide Oysters?

1. Fortune Fish & Gourmet: They offer Riptide Oysters, which are farmed and harvested from Westport estuary, Westport, Massachusetts, at the entrance of Buzzard’s Bay near the border.
2. Island Creek Oysters: This source provides Riptide Oysters from Westport, MA. The oysters are available for purchase for a limited time. They are grown deep in the East Branch of the Westport River, right behind Horseneck Beach, in an area surrounded by pristine conservation land. The oysters are described as 2.5” – 3″ in size and are known for their unique flavor profile.
3. Central Market: Riptide Oysters are available for purchase from Central Market. However, due to safety concerns, their seafood partners cannot shuck oysters ordered in-store or through curbside and delivery.