A Seasonal Treat and Nature’s Water Filters

How Oysters Nourish Both the Ocean and Our Palates

Did you know a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water in just one day? By removing excess nutrients and improving water clarity, oysters help create healthier coastal ecosystems that support marine life.

You may have heard the old saying, “Only eat oysters in months that have an ‘R’ in them.” This advice came from a time before refrigeration, when warmer months posed a higher risk of spoilage. Thanks to modern handling and farming practices, oysters can be enjoyed year-round. Some still say they taste best in cooler months when they are plumper and sweeter.

Oysters are all about the place from which they hail, and New England oysters are no exception. Whether you are a novice oyster eater or seasoned connoisseur, it’s useful to consult an oyster guide to best enjoy some of the delectable oysters grown in the chilly waters of coastal New England. Each type boasts a distinctive taste peculiar to the salty cove, plankton-rich bay, or brackish river where they are grown.

As we savor the last weeks of summer, oysters remind us that good things can be both a pleasure and a gift to the environment.