Mattapoisett Oysters from Mattapoisett, MA

Harvest location: Nasketucket Bay, Mattapoisett, MA

How they’re grown: Mattapoisetts begin their life on the farm as 1.5mm seed housed in a solar powered upweller. Once they are large enough, they are moved into bags in bottom cages located in what is called "the nursery." Finally, they are finished off in floating cages in the boisterous, briny waters just off Nasketucket Bay State Reservation where they'll round out the remainder of their growth cycle for a total of two years. The farm is located in the north-east area of Nasketucket Bay, where prevailing southwest winds create significant wave action. This near constant dynamic disturbance creates a robust cup and a sturdy shell with little to no fringe exaggerating its size. As an added bonus, this spirited sea state generally creates oysters that are "clean as a whistle."

Why they’re unique: Fun hometown fact: Herman Melville researched ships for his epic maritime classic Moby Dick aboard a Mattapoisett-built whaling ship.

Story: The Wards said it best in their own words: "We were both technical computer consultants, traveling 40+ weeks a year. In 2014, as independent consultants, we took advantage of the opportunity to take a sabbatical as a family. We moved aboard our 34-foot boat and sailed from Massachusetts to Grenada and back. Once back on land, changed forever by our two-year adventure, we found our old lives did not "fit" us anymore. Looking no further than our backyard, we decided to make our living on the water. After a year of staging with our neighbor, also an oyster farmer, we dove headlong into the world of aquaculture.

By 2018, Mattapoisett Oysters was in full swing; by 2021, we were able to leave consulting altogether."

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.