Catch a taste of WA this summer, as Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oyster season kicks off and the saltwater delicacies hit menus and retailers across the State.
Subi Spritz may be a celebration of all our favourite traditions and culinary exports from the European continent, yet at its heart it champions local businesses and producers doing incredible things here in WA. And some elite Western Australian produce has just landed at restaurants and Perth’s best grocers.
Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oysters are in season for just a few short months each year, as they’re only harvested when they’re in peak condition over the warmer months. This summer, the season commenced just in time for Christmas and will run through until mid-March, so our suggestion is to seek them out, pronto!
Grown in the cool, rich waters off Albany in Oyster Harbour, where the King and Kalgan rivers meet the Southern Ocean, rock oysters feed solely on nutrients already found in the water, meaning they’re a sustainable seafood choice. WA’s only commercial oyster aquaculturists, Leeuwin Coast, have their team constantly out on the water throughout the year, checking and grading the rock oysters to ensure their condition is perfect when it’s time to harvest, meaning they’re plated at their prime for your next soirée or meal out.
Western Australian produce is bountiful and renowned for its outstanding quality, and Albany Rock Oysters are no exception. This makes the Leeuwin Coast Albany Rock Oyster an ideal pairing for Subi Spritz, where you can savour WA produce across the final balmy afternoons of WA sunshine, all with a distinctly European appeal.
What makes Albany Rock Oysters unique?
Tasting of a gentle sea spray brine, with grassy undertones, the Albany Rock Oyster is bright and balanced, with a light zip on the mid palate. It has watermelon rind and summer cucumbers on the front palate, making it the perfect summer oyster, especially when paired with summer drinks (we’re looking at you, Marchand & Burch crémant and rose!)
Whether you like them straight up raw or with a complementary flavour topping, enjoy Albany Rock Oysters this summer at participating retailers, restaurants, and at various events across the Subi Spritz program.
Albany Rock Oyster recipes
We strongly suggest heading over to the Leeuwin Coast website for multiple delicious recipe ideas, however here’s an easy one for a taster.
Albany Rock Oysters with Soy & Lime
Go lightly when using this delicious Asian style dressing. Treat it as if you were seasoning your oyster. The freshness of the coriander stalk and spring onion provides texture and balances the salty umami of the soy.
Ingredients
12 Albany Rock Oysters, freshly shucked
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp white sugar
1 tbsp coriander stalk, finely diced
1 red chilli, seeds removed and finely diced
1 spring onion, sliced into thin rounds
Method
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and gently mix to combine.
- Refrigerate until required.
- Place oysters on a platter, spoon over a little dressing and serve extra on the side.
