Unlike rock oysters, which are available year-round, native oysters are typically only available in months with an ‘r’ in them – September to April – and are considered by many to be fuller-flavoured, making them a prized but affordable delicacy, at just £1.50 each. Whole Foods’ native oysters have been sustainably sourced from Dutch waters and shipped to the UK.
Simple to prepare, oysters can be served raw, with a squeeze of lemon or a dab of vinegar, grilled or baked.
James Morrissey, Fish Monger for Whole Foods Market Kensington said: "The last few years have been busy for the Seafood Quality Standards team at Whole Foods Market. We implemented new aquaculture standards for farmed finfish and shrimp, and we launched our wild species ranking programme. We are delighted to now be able to offer Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified oysters in our fresh fish cases – they are proving popular with customers.”
George Clark, UK Commercial Manager for the MSC said: “There’s a lot to love about oysters – they’ve got a unique flavour, they’re quick and easy to serve at home, and have a real ‘wow factor’. What’s more, when they carry the MSC ecolabel, shoppers have an independent assurance that they’ve been sourced sustainably and are traceable from ocean to plate, so they can be confident that their purchase is helping to protect our oceans for future generations.”
Whole Foods Market sells a wide range of MSC certified fish year-round, including Atlantic and Pacific cod, Chilean sea bass, wild salmon, halibut, and hoki.
