“What’s in a name?
This oyster by any other name would taste as sweet.”

Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet by W. Shakespeare (with apologies)

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You may be curious about the name (and pronunciation) of our oyster…
Oysters have a reputation for being an aphrodisiac.
EROS is the Greek god of passionate love. We are passionate about our oyster.

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Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is Eros’ mother. She was born at sea and carried to shore in an oyster shell (Botticelli got it wrong with his depiction of her arrival in a scallop shell – artistic license). You will love our oyster.

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Eros is an archer who intervenes in the life of mortals by smiting them with bonds of love via arrows (homonym for EROS). You will be smitten.

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Our growing area, which gives our oyster such a sweet taste is Robinhood Cove (arrows once again). The Cove was named by the original English settlers after the local Indian chief (more arrows) who sold them the island and cove for some pumpkins. The settlers nicknamed him Robinhood, perhaps because they couldn’t remember or pronounce his Abenaki name, Mowhotiwormet. EROS is easy to remember and pronounce (say “arrows”).

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Finally, the original Abenaki name for our island is Eros ca hagen which means “good place for oyster farm”. Well, not quite. It translates as “good place for spearfishing”, and the same environmental conditions (nutrients, protection) make it a sweet spot for our oyster.

From our family to yours. Enjoy!

The Gaffneys

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