Where to Buy Fresh Oysters by the Bushel in Jacksonville, FL

As a seaside city Jacksonville offers plenty of options for buying fresh, local oysters. Oysters are a delicious seafood staple that can be prepared in many ways. When buying oysters to serve a crowd or for a seafood boil buying them by the bushel is the way to go. But where exactly can you find bushels of fresh oysters in Jacksonville? This guide will cover the top places to buy oysters by the bushel and what to look for when purchasing.

Overview of Buying Oysters in Jacksonville

Jacksonville benefits from its close proximity to prime Florida oyster harvesting areas. This allows local seafood markets and restaurants to source high-quality, fresh oysters easily. There are a few main options for buying oysters by the bushel in Jacksonville:

• Seafood markets – The best bet for fresh bushels. Many seafood markets in Jacksonville sell oysters that come directly from local oyster fishermen. This ensures peak freshness and supports the local fishing industry.

• Restaurant seafood suppliers – Some restaurants will sell bushels of oysters from their suppliers to the public Prices are competitive but selection is more limited

• Online ordering – A few Jacksonville seafood companies will ship bushels of oysters packed on ice overnight Provides convenience but higher costs

• Oyster farms – Florida has some oyster farms that will sell bushels directly to consumers. You can make a trip to the farm for ultra-fresh oysters.

When buying by the bushel, you want plump oysters with tightly closed shells. Avoid any with cracked shells. Let’s look at some of the top options in Jacksonville.

Top Places to Buy Oysters by the Bushel

Safe Harbor Seafood Market

• Long-running market located in Mayport with an excellent fresh seafood selection.
• Sells bushels of wild-caught Apalachicola and Cedar Key oysters harvested from Florida’s prime oyster regions.
• Also offer smaller amounts if you don’t need a full bushel.

Mayport C&C Fisheries

• Seafood supplier and market that sells to many local restaurants.
• Offers bushels of fresh, local oysters as well as seasonal East Coast oysters like Blue Points.
• Delivery available for large orders.

Brewer’s Creek Fresh Seafood

• Seafood market located in the Intracoastal West neighborhood.
• Known for great prices on fresh, local seafood.
• Call ahead to order bushels of in-season Apalachicola or Cedar Key oysters.

Pesca Seafood Company

• Wholesale supplier with a retail seafood market in Arlington.
• Sells bushels of local oysters when in season for competitive prices.
• Takes pre-orders for large quantities of oysters.

Singleton’s Seafood Shack

• Popular local seafood restaurant that will sell bushels of oysters.
• Sources from local oystermen when possible for top quality.
• Typically has Apalachicola and Cedar Key oysters available by the bushel.

Point Oyster Company

• Oyster farm located in Apalachicola that offers farm-direct ordering online.
• Ships ultra-fresh bushels overnight packed on ice.
• More expensive but highest quality farm-raised oysters.

What to Look for When Buying Oysters by the Bushel

To ensure you get high-quality fresh oysters in Jacksonville, keep these tips in mind:

• Buy in season – Oyster quality and prices are best in months with an R (September-April). Summer harvests decline.

• Inspect shells – Look for tightly closed, undamaged shells. Discard any with cracks which indicate dead oysters.

• Check for freshness – Fresh oysters won’t have an unpleasant fishy smell. Avoid oysters with milky liquor.

• Get a harvest date – Try to buy oysters harvested no more than 4-5 days earlier for peak freshness and flavor.

• Keep them cold – Oysters spoil rapidly at warm temperatures. Keep chilled below 40°F during transport.

• Consider smaller amounts – If you don’t need a full 100-count bushel, some markets sell smaller containers.

• Order ahead – Give a few days notice for bushel orders to ensure availability and the freshest catch.

• Shop earlier in the week – Oyster supplies can dwindle later in the week, so shop early for best selection.

How Much Do Bushels of Oysters Cost?

On average, expect to pay $60-$80 for a 100-count bushel of oysters in Jacksonville. However, pricing fluctuates significantly based on:

• Oyster variety – Local Apalachicola and Cedar Keys are cheaper than Long Island Blue Points, for example.

• Season – Prices increase in peak season from fall to early spring when supplies are lower.

• Market/restaurant – Buying directly from seafood markets is cheaper than restaurants reselling bushels.

• Special order – Requesting specific varieties or advance ordering incurs extra costs.

For budget buys, check markets like Brewer’s Creek, Singleton’s, or Safe Harbor in the fall and winter. For premium oysters ordered online and shipped overnight, expect to pay over $100 per bushel. Call around to compare pricing between locations based on the type of oysters you want.

Shucking Oysters from a Bushel

Once you secure a bushel of delicious, fresh local oysters, it’s time to shuck them! Here are some tips:

• Use an oyster knife – Invest in a good oyster shucking knife and thick shucking gloves to protect your hands. Never shuck oysters with a regular knife.

• Find the hinge – Turn the oyster with the rounded shell side down and locate the hinge connecting the two shells.

• Apply pressure – Hold the oyster firmly and wedge the knife tip into the hinge. Twist to pop the shell open.

• Cut the muscle – Run the knife along the inside of the top shell to sever the adductor muscle.

• Inspect the oyster – Check that it looks clean before adding it to your ice tray with liquor reserved.

• Discard broken ones – If any shells fracture and fill with shell fragments, discard that oyster.

• Take it slow – Shucking oysters takes practice. Work carefully to avoid cutting yourself and ruining shells.

• Keep cold – Leave shucked oysters layered between ice to prevent spoilage and keep chilled.

Enjoy Oyster Dishes with Jacksonville’s Freshest Bushels

From seafood boils to oysters Rockefeller, bushels of fresh local oysters can make for amazing meals. Jacksonville is fortunate to offer access to premium oysters straight off Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. With an array of seafood markets and suppliers selling quality oysters by the bushel, you’re sure to find the freshest around. Just remember to keep them cold until serving time. The next oyster roast at your place is sure to impress when you source them from the best spots in Jacksonville.