How Much Does a Bushel of Oysters Cost in Florida? A Breakdown

Oysters are a quintessential seafood delicacy in Florida. Whether enjoyed raw on the half shell, roasted fried or stewed, their salty brininess adds distinct flavor. For those looking to cook at home with fresh local oysters, knowing current market prices per bushel is key. So how much does a full bushel of oysters cost in Florida? Let’s dive in and find out.

What is Considered a Bushel of Oysters?

First it’s important to understand exactly what constitutes a “bushel” for measuring oysters

• A bushel is a volume measurement, not weight.

• 1 bushel of oysters in the shell = approximately 2,800-3,500 individual oysters

• When shucked, 1 bushel yields 7-10 pounds of oyster meat

So a full bushel is quite a large quantity! Buying per bushel is common for restaurants and events, while consumers often purchase smaller amounts.

Average Price per Bushel in Florida

The average price for a full bushel of oysters in Florida ranges from

• $150 – $200 for Gulf coast oysters

• $200 – $300 for premium Atlantic oysters

However, prices can fluctuate depending on factors like:

• Location – Prices may be higher in landlocked central FL vs. coastal regions

• Species – Apalachicola and Atlantic oysters command higher prices than Gulf oysters

• Time of year – Prices increase in cooler months when wild oysters are less available

• Source – Directly from oystermen may be cheaper than retailers

Overall, Gulf coast oysters tend to cost less per bushel compared to premium Atlantic oysters from the northeast and mid-Atlantic.

Oyster Cost for Smaller Amounts

For smaller household needs, Florida oysters can be purchased by:

• Bag – A “sack” or bag of oysters contains roughly 100-200 oysters. Expect to pay $15 – $30.

• Crate – A crate or shallow box holds 500 oysters on average. Prices range from $50 – $100 per crate.

• Dozen – Restaurants often offer oyster by the dozen, usually $15 – $30 per dozen shucked oysters.

• Piece – Raw bars sell individual oysters on a per piece basis, typically $1 – $3 per oyster.

When buying directly from local oystermen, be sure to ask about their pricing. Often a better value than retailers.

Shucked vs In Shell Oyster Pricing

You can further save on cost by purchasing oysters in the shell and doing your own shucking at home. Because shucking labor adds to expense, shucked oyster meat commands a higher price:

• A pint of shucked oysters (about 16-20 oysters, depending on size) sells for $13 – $18.

• Whereas a pint of in-shell oysters runs just $3 – $5 before shucking.

However, be sure to account for oyster yield if shucking your own. Typically 65-75% of total weight is shell.

Key Factors That Affect Oyster Prices

Florida oyster prices fluctuate based on several key factors:

• Supply constraints – Red tide algal blooms, hurricanes, flooding can limit supply and raise prices.

• Season – Peak season October-March boosts availability and lowers costs.

• Labor – Higher shucking costs push up prices, especially for pre-shucked oysters.

• Regulations – Commercial harvesting restrictions also affect supply.

• Location – Transport costs mean oysters shipped inland carry higher prices than at their coastal source.

When Are Oysters Most Affordable?

October through March is peak season for Florida oysters when they are most plentiful and affordable. During cooler months, oysters feed less and focus energy on reproduction, yielding a higher fat content. Coastal oyster roasts and festivals celebrate the start of oyster season.

Avoid summer months of June through September when prices jump higher on limited availability. Oysters spawn during warmer months, making their texture less desirable.

Top Tips for Getting the Best Deal

Here are some money-saving tips when buying fresh oysters in Florida:

• Purchase direct from oyster boats or farms if possible
• Buy straight from shucking houses for lower prices
• Check prices at local seafood markets and wholesalers
• Buy in bulk if you can share with family or friends
• Allow flexibility on exact oyster species
• Clean and reuse oyster shells to cut waste

With a bit of research and timing your purchase right, you can enjoy delicious fresh Florida oysters without breaking the bank. Happy shucking!