Sales of fresh oysters have seen an increase of 28% over the last year, as shoppers learn to embrace these divisive molluscs, with the retailer predicting to sell over 20,000 oysters in the next few days. Searches for fresh oysters on Waitrose.com have increased by 35% and smoked oysters by 28%.

Zoe Simmons, Senior Development Chef at Waitrose & Partners offers her tips on how to make a delicious four course meal - all using oysters. "Oysters are most recognisable on a big platter sat over ice with a spiced relish to go along with them, but they are such a versatile option, especially for seafood lovers. 

"For a pre-dinner amuse-bouche give your oysters a twist with a Margarita cocktail dressing - the lime and tequila work really well to cut through the rich oyster flavour. Next up for starters try smoking and then drying out your oysters. By doing this you get an intense salty flavour which is delicious sprinkled over a salad. 

“For the main event try oyster fried rice. A simple stir-fry dish with oysters, oyster sauce,onions and for added depth of flavour add in some pork. And if you really want to commit to having a full oyster experience, you could give oyster ice-cream a go! First made in America as a Thanksgiving treat, in recent years it has seen a resurgence in both the UK and USA." 

The trend for cooked oysters is also gaining popularity, The Good Food Guide highlights that Dinner at Paul Ainsworth's Padstow restaurant, No6, starts with a lightly crumbed Porthilly rock oyster, quickly deep-fried. Or alternatively, The Unruly Pig near Woodbridge serves an oyster velouté which is a delicious way to enjoy the flavour.

Waitrose & Partners No.1 Oysters are grown in the water of Loch a Chumhainn. The thing that makes Scotland unique when it comes to producing shellfish is the nutrient rich and the pure waters, a unique coastline suitable for shellfish production. 

Oysters are a great sustainable seafood option and thanks to careful growing and harvesting techniques the population of oysters has been built up and they act as a natural filter improving water quality. 

For further information please contact:

Claire Earley
claire.earley@waitrose.co.uk
T: 01344825793 M: 07764676379