Oysters are large flat edible shellfish. They are rich in minerals and vitamins. Here we will see about how much do Oysters Cost?
The average cost of oysters ranges from about $35 to $70. And are often sold by the dozens. This high price may be due to the nutritional and health benefit of this flat shellfish. The cost of oysters varies from seller to seller depending on many factors; demand, environmental factors, variety, and size of oysters.
Environmental Factors
Growing oysters takes a lot of time and a lot of steps to ensure the oysters are of the proper size for sale. The labor put into growing/farming oysters over a year or two could have an impact on the cost,online or at a restaurant.
Demand For Oysters
Just like in economics, ‘when the demand for a commodity is high, with low supply, there is going to be inflation in the price of the goods, which is same for livestock. If the demand for oysters in the region is high and there are few oyster farms in this region, the cost of these oysters is often on the high end, especially in restaurants.
Oysters Variety
Oysters are one of the most commonly farmed shellfish in the world today and are called ‘ocean mollusks’ Oysters are mainly found in marine habitats and vary based on the habitat. There are different varieties of oysters in the world today and its impossible to write down all the types and names of oysters.
Here are some of the most commonly found and cultivated oysters today.
Belon Oysters:
These are found and cultivated in Europe and is commonly called the “European Flat Oysters” they are from the Belon river in Brittany .
Belon oysters have round shaped shells and are often called plates because of their flat shape. They have a creamy and metallic flavor. This variety of oysters costs on average $1.7 each and about $25 for ten pieces.
Eastern Oysters:
Eastern oysters are called “Atlantic Oysters” and are indigenous oysters of the North America and harvested in the US and Gulf of Mexico. Eastern oysters are one of the largest oysters in the world. They can grow up to 10cm in length and would cost on average $1.85 each. Eastern oysters are very compatible with warm water because they grow faster there.
Kumamoto Oysters
Kumamoto oysters are from Japan and have an irregularly shaped shells with unequal valves. They are small compared to other oysters and can grow to only about 60mm. They are called “Chardonnay of Oysters” and known scientifically as ‘Crassostrea Sikamea’ They are creamy with a mild salty flavor with an average cost per dozen of $30.
Olympic Oysters
The Olympia oysters are from the Northern Pacific Coast of North America and are called “Rock Oysters’ They are known as cocktail oysters around the world. Their shells are rounded, while the flesh of these oysters is small compared to other types. They are the only oysters native to the US West coast and cost about $23 per dozen.
Beausoleil Oysters
This type of oysters can grow up to 6.5cm and are farmed in a tray suspension. They have a mild saltiness flavor and are a popular dish all around Canada. They cost about $1.65 each.
Misty Point Oysters
This type of oyster are found on the eastern shores of Virginia, and can grow up to 7.6 cm in size. They have a hard shell just like other types and a very popular because of their meat. They cost about $1.75 each.
Pacific Oysters
Pacific oysters are the world’s most popularly cultivated oysters. They are small and sweet. They have a fluted Shelly pointed shell. They are called ‘Crassostrea Gigas’ the average price per dozen is $37.
Well Fleet Oysters
Wellfleet oysters are from the East coast and survive in cold waters. They are known for their firm meat and have a very crisp texture and mild metallic flavor. They cost about $1.60 each.
Here are some questions that may be running through your head.
1. Are Oysters alive when eaten?
Yes, oysters are alive when eaten. This is done to help retain their freshness and get the right flavor and nutrients. This is why oysters are put on ice to help keep them fresh before consumption and taste better.
2. Why are Oysters so Expensive?
Oysters are very expensive due to the high demand for them leading to scarcity which leads to an increase in the selling cost.
3. How much can I sell an Oyster For?
This largely depends on the oyster type, time of year, and where you are located. On average you could sell oysters for $35 – $65 per dozen.
4. What are the health and nutritional benefits of Oysters?
Oysters are rich in minerals like zinc and vitamin B12.
