FAQs

Sustainability

What is Friend of the Sea certification?

Our shellfish have attained Friend of the Sea certification, a leading standard that recognizes sustainable aquaculture practices and promotes marine conservation.

Growing and Harvesting

How do you know when Albany Rock Oysters are ready to harvest?

Our team are out on the water all year round and are constantly monitoring the condition of our Albany Rock Oysters. This involves visually inspecting the shell and the meat to ensure the oysters are in optimal condition. We are looking for a plump, juicy oyster inside with a good meat to shell ratio.

Are Albany Rock Oysters wild caught or farmed?

Albany Rock Oysters are farmed in our aquaculture leases in Albany. This allows us to produce great quality, consistent quality oysters. We use hatchery produced spat to produce our oysters, taking care of them in our land-based nursery until they are big enough to head out into Oyster Harbour to continue growing.

What is special about the waters of Albany that makes them perfect for growing oysters?

Albany Rock Oysters grow in waterways where local nutrient-rich rivers flow to meet with the cold, clear waters of the Southern Ocean. This creates optimum growing conditions for our oysters.

Where are Albany Rock Oysters grown?

Albany Rock Oysters are grown in the estuarine waters around Albany. We have two oyster leases - Oyster Harbour just off Emu Point and Shoal Bay in Princess Royal Harbour. Both of these are fed by nutrient-rich local rivers and the clear, cold water of the Southern Ocean.

What are the species name of your shellfish?

Albany Rock Oysters' species name is Western Rock Oyster/Saccostrea Glomerata

Why are Albany Rock Oyster seasonal?

Albany Rock Oyster season runs roughly from October to May each year, with some availability outside this period, depending on weather conditions. The oysters come into condition during the warmer months when the water around Albany is warmer. Our team are regularly checking condition to only harvest oysters that meet our strict standards.

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Storing, Shucking and Serving

What do you recommend to drink with Albany Rock Oysters?

Traditionally a sparkling wine or white wine such as Riesling are popular pairings for Albany Rock Oysters, but why not check out sommelier Cyndal Petty's Albany Rock Oyster pairings here.

What are the best menu pairing for Albany Rock Oysters?

We recommend first trying Albany Rock Oysters raw and natural to appreciate the unique flavour profile. After that anything goes and it is all down to personal preference. Some people like just a squeeze of lemon or a classic mignonette while others get creative with innovative toppings. Whatever you do, don't forget to chew the oyster to get the full depth of flavour.

How do I store Albany Rock Oysters?

To provide the freshest possible eating experience Albany Rock Oysters are only supplied from our farm live and care should be taken with storage to keep them in optimal eating condition.

‍Unshucked Storage Instructions

Store Albany Rock Oysters unopened between 10°C and 21°C in a cool, dark spot where the temperature remains consistent.

Do not refrigerate.

This ensures our Albany Rock Oysters remain fresh and in good condition for up to 19 days from harvest.

We do recommend you check your oysters periodically and discard any individual rock oysters that are open or look dry when shucked as this indicates the oyster has perished.

‍Shucked Storage Instructions

Albany Rock Oysters are best served freshly shucked and for optimal eating experience we recommend chilling them for 30 mins before serving. Once shucked, keep covered below 4°C and consume within 48 hours.

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What do Albany Rock Oysters taste like?

Albany Rock Oysters taste of a gentle sea spray brine, with grassy undertones. They are bright and balanced with a hint of watermelon rind and cucumber making them the perfect summer oyster.

What is merroir?

The word "terroir" is often used by winemakers to describe the distinctive taste that comes from the location where a wine is grown. In the oyster industry "merroir" is used ("mer" is French for sea) to describe the flavour an oyster takes on from the body of water it grows in.

Should you chew an Albany Rock Oyster?

It’s totally up to you - eat it however you like, but most of our team chew it to get the really creamy flavour.

How long can Albany Rock Oysters stay out of the fridge when shucked?

Once shucked, Albany Rock Oysters should be kept on ice and consumed within 2 hours or covered and refrigerated below 4C and consumed within 48 hrs.

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How do you shuck an Albany Rock Oyster?

Shucking an Albany Rock Oyster can be tricky. If you've never done it before, please as someone who knows how to do it or ask your local seafood supplier as some will offer both shucked and unshucked oysters for purchase.

Here’s a link to a video of our team demonstrating how to shuck - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmhKkcXKfEE

How should I eat an Albany Rock Oyster?

You can eat them however you like – freshly shucked and raw, topped with lemon or a few condiments or with more elaborate toppings like a mignonette. Check out our recipe pages for more ideas.

Purchasing

Can I visit the farm?

Unfortunately our farm is not open to visitors.

I’m a restaurant or caterer can I buy direct?

In order to provide the best quality service and the freshest products we only supply through wholesalers and specialist retailers.

I’m a wholesaler can I buy direct?

We supply our Rock Oysters wholesale across Australia - please contact us at leeuwincoast@harvestroad.com or call 08 9335 1244 to discuss setting up an account.

Can I buy from direct from your Albany farm?

We don’t supply directly from our Albany farm, but please check our where to buy pages for Rock Oyster stockists in Albany. Albany Rock Oysters are seasonal and available for sale from roughly November to April only.

Can I buy online?

No unfortunately due to the perishable nature of our products we do not supply any products online.

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Which markets do you supply?

Currently our Albany Rock Oysters are available in wholesalers, retailers and venues across Australia. Click here for more details on where to buy or please contact us directly if you are a wholesaler and interested in buying directly from us.

Where can I buy your products?

Our produce is available through selected wholesalers & retailers plus on the menu at many incredible venues across Australia including in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Click here to find out where to buy.

What packaging is used for your shellfish?

Our Albany Rock Oysters are supplied live in hessian bags to our wholesale customers in either 40 doz bottle, 40 doz bistro or 30 doz plate sizes.

People & Environment

How can I apply for a job?

Visit our wider business website to see current opportunities by clicking here.