FAQs

Sustainability

What is Friend of the Sea certification?

Our shellfish have attained Friend of the Sea certification, a leading standard that recognizes sustainable aquaculture practices and promotes marine conservation.

Growing and Harvesting

What is an Akoya?

Many people ask us "What is Akoya?" An Akoya is a completely unique shellfish. Described as a cross between a flavour reminiscent of clams, with the brininess and minerality of an oyster, and an underlying sweetness of a scallop, it is encased in a pearlescent shell and was traditionally grown for pearls.

Do you sell pearls?

No we only grow Akoya for culinary purposes and not for pearls.

What are the species name of your shellfish?

Akoya is Akoya Pearl Oyster/Pinctada fucata

Albany Rock Oyster is Western Rock Oyster/Saccostrea glomerata

Are your products seasonal?

Albany Rock Oysters are seasonal and generally available from December to March. The Akoya are available all year round.

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Storing, Shucking and Serving

What is merroir?

The word "terroir" is often used by winemakers to describe the distinctive taste that comes from the location where a wine is grown. In the oyster industry "merroir" is used ("mer" is French for sea) to describe the flavour an oyster takes on from the body of water it grows in.

Should you chew an Albany Rock Oyster?

It’s totally up to you - eat it however you like, but most of our team chew it to get the really creamy flavour.

How do you cook an Akoya?

The Akoya is an extremely versatile food and can be enjoyed raw, cured, poached, grilled or tempura fried. Visit our recipes page to find out more.

How long can Albany Rock Oysters stay out of the fridge when shucked?

Once shucked, Albany Rock Oysters should be kept on ice and consumed within 2 hours or covered and refrigerated below 4C and consumed within 48 hrs.

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How do you shuck an Akoya?

Akoya are incredibly easy to shuck – a blunt butter knife will do the job. Thaw Akoya in fridge for 2 hrs or 1hr on the benchtop before use. To shuck, pinch either side of the Akoya at the bottom to create a gap in the top of the shell. Using a blunt knife, insert the knife between the shell and the Akoya meat and gently separate. Repeat on the other shell to release the meat. Gently remove the green byssal thread by pulling sideways and the Akoya is ready to serve.

Take a look at this video where our team demonstrate how to shuck - - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbzGn34uz94

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How do you shuck an Albany Rock Oyster?

Shucking an Albany Rock Oyster can be tricky. If you've never done it before, please as someone who knows how to do it or ask your local seafood supplier as some will offer both shucked and unshucked oysters for purchase.

Here’s a link to a video of our team demonstrating how to shuck - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmhKkcXKfEE

How should I eat an Albany Rock Oyster?

You can eat them however you like – freshly shucked and raw, topped with lemon or a few condiments or with more elaborate toppings like a mignonette. Check out our recipe pages for more ideas.

Why are Akoya only supplied frozen?

Akoya are a subtidal species which means they start to lose their freshness out of the water. Freezing allows us to supply them at optimal condition.

Purchasing

Can I visit the farm?

Unfortunately our farm is not open to visitors.

I’m a restaurant or caterer can I buy direct?

In order to provide the best quality service and the freshest products we only supply through wholesalers and specialist retailers.

I’m a wholesaler can I buy direct?

We supply our Rock Oysters and Akoya wholesale across Australia - please contact us at leeuwincoast@harvestroad.com or call 08 9335 1244 to discuss setting up an account.

Can I buy from direct from your Albany farm?

We don’t supply directly from our Albany farm, but please check our where to buy pages for Akoya and Rock Oyster stockists in Albany. Albany Rock Oysters are seasonal and available for sale from November to April only.

Can I buy online?

No unfortunately due to the perishable nature of our products we do not supply any products online.

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How many Akoya are in a box?

There are 40 Akoya in a box and 6 packs of 40 in a carton.

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Which markets do you supply?

Currently our products are available across Australia and Singapore. Please get in touch if you are a wholesaler in another country and are interested in partnering with us.

Where can I buy your products?

Our produce is available through selected wholesalers & retailers plus on the menu at many incredible venues across Australia including in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Darwin. Click here to find out where to buy.

Why are Akoya only supplied frozen?

Akoya are a subtidal species which means they start to lose their freshness out of the water. Freezing allows us to supply them at optimal condition.

What packaging is used for your shellfish?

Our Albany Rock Oysters are supplied live in hessian bags to our wholesale customers in either 40 doz bottle, 30 doz bistro or 30 doz plate sizes. Our Akoya are packed in recyclable cardboard boxes each containing 40 pieces.

People & Environment

How can I apply for a job?

Please click here to visit the Harvest Road website careers page where you can view current jobs across Harvest Road including any aquaculture roles.