Native oysters are now back in season (September to April) and it’s worth dredging up a bit more information. We source our Natives from Rossmore oysters who manage the oyster fishery in Loch Ryan on the East Coast of Scotland.
This is Scotland’s only wild fishery, having remained in the possession of the Wallace family since 1701 when the oyster beds were given to them by King William III. There is reportedly a letter from Julius Caesar stating that Loch Ryan oysters are the best in the world, and more recently the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers awarded the Wild Native Loch Ryan Oysters as the Best in Scotland 2010.
The fishery is sustainably and productively managed, providing 95% of Scotland’s native oysters. The expected harvest is about 300,000 oysters per season. They harvest the largest 5% of the stock, with the rest being put re-laid on the loch bed. This simple and sustainable method is greatly increasing the stock and providing a stable future for the native oysters.
Each oyster sells for about £3 in restaurants, whereas we are doing a fantastic deal – buy 2 dozen natives, and get a free dozen Welsh rock oysters thrown in while stocks last. This works out at 90p per oyster including delivery!
For more general information on oysters check out this article.