Aquidneck Cup Oysters from Portsmouth, RI

Harvest location: Sakonnet River, Portsmouth, RI

How they’re grown: Aquidneck Cups are grown in the Sakonnet River, a saltwater tidal strait in Narragansett Bay that separates Aquidneck Island from the mainland. The oysters are grown in floating bags due to the fast flowing, occasionally turbulent waters that would otherwise washaway bottom planted seed. The upside to this powerful circulation of ocean water in Narragansett Bay and the Sakonnet River, is a refreshingly briny flavor and super clean product. Grow-out from seed to harvest is roughly 14 months.

Why they’re unique: Aquidneck Cups are named after nearby Aquidneck Island (where the city of Newport is located) which, according to local lore, is peculiarly shaped like an oyster.

Story: Dan comes from a long line of fisherman and shellfish harvesters, so it was only natural that he combine his interest in environmental sciences and marine biology with his love of coastal living. Dan got his start as a marine scientist studying water quality and running computational modeling (a real egghead!) before deciding to start a farm of his in 2020. We love seeing civilians translate their passion for coastal preservation into a career in aquaculture, and Dan is a great example of doing just that.

Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.