How Much Does a Bushel of Oysters Cost in Florida?

Oysters are one of Florida’s prized seafood delicacies. With over 90% of the nation’s oysters harvested from the Gulf of Mexico Florida is the country’s largest oyster producer. The Apalachicola Bay in Florida’s Panhandle region is especially renowned for its tasty Apalachicola oysters.

But if you’re looking to buy oysters in Florida, how much should you expect to pay? Let’s take a closer look at oyster prices per bushel in the Sunshine State.

What is a Bushel of Oysters?

First, what exactly constitutes a bushel? A bushel is a unit of dry volume typically used to measure grains, fruit, and vegetables. For oysters, a U.S. bushel contains around 8 gallons or 2,150.4 cubic inches. This equates to roughly 300 oysters.

Since oysters are sold by weight a bushel is generally between 7-10 pounds. But the exact weight can vary

• Smaller oysters, like those from Apalachicola Bay, average about 7 pounds per bushel.

• Larger oysters, like those from Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast, weigh around 10 pounds per bushel.

So when looking at oyster prices per bushel, keep in mind that a bushel contains 300 oysters and weighs 7-10 pounds on average. The specific weight depends on the size of the oysters.

Oyster Prices Per Bushel in Florida

Oyster prices fluctuate frequently based on factors like supply, demand, and season. But here are some average prices to expect for a bushel of oysters in Florida:

• Apalachicola Bay oysters: $80-$100 per bushel. Apalachicola oysters are on the smaller side, so a bushel contains about 7 pounds or 300 oysters.

• Cedar Key oysters: $60-$90 per bushel. Since these oysters are larger, a 10 pound bushel contains around 200 oysters.

• Farmed oysters: $60-$80 per bushel. Farm-raised oysters throughout Florida tend to be less expensive than wild oysters. A bushel is usually 7-8 pounds.

• Wholesale prices: $30-$60 per bushel for unprocessed oysters bought in bulk direct from oystermen.

As you can see, bushel prices range significantly based on the specific type and source of the oysters. But on average, expect to spend around $70 for a bushel of wild, commercially-harvested oysters from Apalachicola Bay or Cedar Key. Farm-raised oysters are slightly less at about $70 per bushel.

Buying Oysters by the Bag

Oysters are also often sold by the bag. An oyster bag contains around 2 gallons or 16-20 pounds of oysters in the shell. Here are typical per bag prices:

• Apalachicola oysters: $32-$45 per 20 pound bag

• Cedar Key oysters: $28-$38 per 16 pound bag

• Farm-raised oysters: $22-$32 per bag

So compared to buying by the bushel, oyster bags offer a more economical option to purchase larger quantities. You can expect to pay around $35 for a bag of wild-caught oysters or $25 for a bag of farmed oysters.

Shucked Oyster Prices

If you want to buy oysters that are already shucked from the shell, prices are per pound or per piece:

• Shucked oysters (per pound): $12-$16 for wild oysters, $8-$12 for farmed oysters

• Half-shell oysters (per piece): $0.50-$1.00 each

A pint of shucked oysters contains about 16-20 oysters and costs $13-$16. Shucking oysters yourself takes time and effort, so you pay a premium for pre-shucked oysters.

Where to Buy Oysters in Florida

The best places to buy fresh oysters in Florida are:

• Seafood markets: Look for reputable fish markets in coastal towns and cities like Apalachicola, Cedar Key, Tampa, and Key West.

• Fishermen’s docks: You can sometimes buy oysters right off the boat from local fishermen.

• Farms: Visit an oyster farm to buy high-quality farmed oysters.

• Grocery stores: Some large supermarkets like Publix carry fresh Florida oysters.

• Online: Companies like Franklin’s Seafood in Apalachicola ship fresh oysters overnight.

Make sure to buy oysters from licensed, reputable sellers. Check that oyster shells are tightly closed and shucked oysters look plump, clear, and milky. Discard any with an unpleasant smell. Store fresh oysters in a bowl covered with a damp towel in the refrigerator and use within 7-10 days.

Key Takeaways on Florida Oyster Prices:

• A bushel contains about 300 oysters and weighs 7-10 pounds.

• Apalachicola Bay oysters run $80-$100 per bushel.

• Cedar Key oysters cost $60-$90 per bushel.

• Farm-raised oysters average $60-$80 per bushel.

• Oyster bags (16-20 lbs) are a more economical option at $25-$45 each.

• Shucked oysters cost $12-$16 per pound or $0.50-$1 each.

• Buy from reputable seafood markets, docks, farms, or online retailers.

So if you’re looking to slurp down some delicious Florida oysters, expect to pay around $100 for a bushel of wild-caught or $70 for a bushel of farmed. Oyster bags offer savings for bulk purchases. And you’ll pay a premium for the convenience of shucked oysters. Compare prices from various sources to find the best deals.