Oyster Market Prices by Type in 2024: What to Expect When Buying

They say that oysters are aphrodisiacs. If you’re going on a date, it’s always a good thing to order oysters. Besides that, oysters are extremely delicious to some, but others steer clear away from them. It has a consistency that is controversial to some people’s palates. But of course, when you go to a restaurant, oysters are one of the most expensive items on the menu. Depending on where you go, oysters can range from $1 per oyster to close to $5. Let’s take a look at oyster market prices by type in 2024. You’ll get to find out what to expect when buying oysters for a family get-together or a dinner party.

Pacific

Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) hail from the Pacific Ocean and they are some of the most common oysters available for consumption. There are various varieties of Pacific oysters out there, too. Pacific oysters usually taste creamy, which is why they are good for both a raw experience, as well as a cooked one. The Pacific oysters are from the seas near Japan and are called Miyagi oysters there. They have now been introduced in other places throughout the Pacific Ocean like Canada, Washington, Oregon, as well as the California coast. 

When it comes to prices, 1 dozen Pacific Oysters range from $22 to $28. This means each Pacific oyster can be as low as $1.80 to $2.30. 

Atlantic

Hailing from the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic oyster (Crassostrea virginicas) is also known as the eastern oyster. They are found throughout the Atlantic and these oysters are much more salty in terms of flavor than other oysters. There are various varieties of Atlantic oysters out there, like the Gulf oyster that hails from the Gulf of Mexico. A whopping 85% of oysters that are harvested in the United States are Atlantic oysters.

When it comes to prices, 1 dozen Atlantic Oysters range from $17 to $29. This means each Atlantic oyster can be as low as $1.40 to $2.40.

European Flat

The delectable European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) hail from European waters; many are farmed throughout French coasts and Ireland. After being considered nearly extinct, European flat oysters are making a comeback. Related to the Olympia species of oyster, the European oyster is much larger. Its taste is usually more sweet, but also salty from the sea. Although you can eat them year-round, they are best served during the colder months. 

Regarding prices, 1 dozen European flat oysters range from $15 to $22. This means each European flat oyster can be as low as $1.25 to $1.80. If you order them at a restaurant, they can range from $7 to $20 for a half dozen.

Kumamoto

Hailing from Kyushu, Japan, but also cultivated in the West Coast United States, the Kumamoto oysters (Crassostrea sikamea) are some of the most popular oysters. They are quite expensive and probably known to be some of the most expensive in the world. The Kumamoto oysters are smaller than the Pacific ones and taste a bit sweeter.

When it comes to prices, 1 dozen Kumamoto oysters range from $30 to $35. This means each Kumamoto oyster can be as low as $2.50 to $2.90.

Olympia

Found naturally in the Pacific Northwest, the Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida or Ostrea conchapila) have many varieties. The most tell-tale sign of an Olympia oyster is its size. They also have a sweet and salty taste to them. Because they are the only oysters native to the West Coast, they were popular for consumption during California’s Gold Rush. They nearly went extinct, but they are now protected and regulated in harvesting and cultivation.

When it comes to prices, 1 dozen Olympia oysters range from $22 to $28. This means each Olympia oyster can be as low as $1.80 to $2.30.

Conclusion

And there you have it, these are the oyster market prices by type in 2024. Now you know what to expect when you go out and buy oysters for an upscale party or a romantic dinner with your partner. Oysters are some of the most delectable seafood items that require a special palate because some people just don’t like them. But if you do like oysters, this article will serve as a way to ensure you are not surprised by the prices in 2024.

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