This category features a wide range of French molluscs, which are grown in France’s beautiful coastal areas by local companies using traditional methods. From fresh oysters to snails, mussels, whelk terrine, scallops and squid rings, select the freshest seafood products available on the French market for your clients. Feel free to ask for a free sample when you find what you are looking for!
Europe’s most delicious oysters are here
In France, the oyster is a flagship item of any festive meal, especially for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve and at weddings. The best season for eating fresh oysters runs roughly from the end of summer (in September) to the beginning of spring (in March and April). In June, July, August and September, this salt-water animal breeds in large oyster farms on the coasts of Normandy, Brittany, Aquitaine, Charente-Maritime and even Occitania. It is then harvested and put in small wooden cases. Six oyster sizes can be purchased on local sea auctions and port markets, from number 0 (the heaviest one) to number 5 (the lightest variety). Thanks to its 20 000 kilometers of shoreline, France is the fifth biggest oyster-producing country in the world!
Raw oysters are often served on a layer of algae with a splash of lemon juice, a slice of buttered rye bread and a glass of champagne (or white wine). They can also be placed over crushed ice with other French molluscs and crustaceans, in order to create an appetizing seafood platter. The ingredients included in this dish vary from one region to another. In Brittany, it usually contains fresh oysters, periwinkles, mussels, carpet shells and spider crabs. In the port of Marseille, a typical platter of seafood features steamed whelks, wild shrimps, raw oysters and a whole Dungeness crab.
If you specialize in buying French molluscs, why not join the Team France Export – Business France community now? Once you become a member of our B2B hub, you will be able to receive samples from our partner suppliers, free quotes and invitations to online business meetings. Subscription is completely free-or-charge for professional buyers.
A wide variety of oysters, mussels and other French molluscs
While raw oysters are extremely popular in French restaurants, there are some oyster recipes which require cooking this tasty ingredient. It can be put under a grill for a few minutes with bread crumbs, cream, powdered saffron and even melted cheese! Oysters are not the only French molluscs. Many traditional delicacies include seafood in France, for instance mussel risotto, stuffed squid, prepared scallops and stir-fried snails from Burgundy.
Are you looking for more delicious products from the coast of France ? Check out our choice of French seafood. There, you will be able to source an infinity of articles such as fish terrines, smoked salmon, fresh oysters, caviar, sea salt and even iodized chocolate ! If your clients are in love with haute cuisine, the Taste France Food platform will satisfy their every desire.
