how many oysters in a 25 pound box

Shucking the Truth: Uncovering Oyster Counts in a 25 Pound Box

Nothing says indulgence quite like a heaping spread of freshly shucked oysters. But when ordering boxes for your next oyster extravaganza how many succulent bivalves should you expect in a 25 pound bushel? Figuring totals requires diving into the details of oyster sizes harvesting, and packaging. Let’s pry open the secrets to sizing up your next order!

Defining the 25 Pound Oyster Box

A 25 pound box or bushel contains about 2 pecks and refers to whole oysters still in their shells. The total number of oysters will depend on:

• Oyster variety – Species impacts average size and weight
• Harvest time – Winter oysters tend to be smaller
• Growing conditions – Geography affects growth rates

Typically, a bushel box weighs around 50 pounds. But some suppliers classify a “bushel” as a 25 pound box for shipping ease. It’s safest to confirm specifics with your vendor.

Average Oyster Counts Per Bushel

On average, expect 100-150 oysters per 25 pound bushel, with the following general guidelines by variety:

• Extra Small (Olympia, Kumamoto): 150-200 per box
• Small (Malpeque, Atlantic): 125-150 per box
• Medium (Pacific, European Flat): 100-125 per box
• Large (European Native): 75-100 per box
• Extra Large: 50-75 per box

The miniscule Olympias and Kumamotos will be at the top end, while jumbo European Natives are at the bottom. Most harvests yield boxes in the 100-150 range.

Calculating from Oyster Weights

You can also calculate bushel totals using average oyster weights:

• Kumamotos: 0.5 oz each
• Malpeques: 1 oz each
• Bluepoints: 1-1.5 oz each
• Pacific: 1-1.5 oz each
• Olympia: 0.33 oz each

For 1 oz Bluepoints:
25 lbs = 400 oz
400 oz / 1 oz per oyster = 400 oysters

For 05 oz Kumamotos 25 lbs = 400 oz400 oz / 05 oz per oyster = 800 oysters

So a 25 lb box of Kumamotos could hold over 800 petite oysters! Use this method to estimate other varieties

Factors Impacting Oyster Counts

Beyond variety, a few other factors affect bushel oyster numbers:

• Time of year – Oysters are smaller in winter when cold waters slow growth
• Growing method – Wild oysters vary more in size than cultivated oysters
• Sorting process – Some suppliers grade for uniformity more than others

So season, farm versus wild, and processing can all alter totals. It’s impossible to predict exact counts. Focus instead on ordering quality, fresh oysters from reputable harvesters.

Shucked Oyster Yields

A 25 pound box of shucked oyster meat will net about:

• 5-7 pounds of meats for Extra Small varieties
• 7-10 pounds for Small to Medium varieties
• 10-12 pounds for Large varieties

Shucked oysters pack denser than whole, so the weight difference is reduced. You’ll get less total meats from tiny Olympias or Kumamotos versus hefty Pacifics or European Flats.

Storing and Serving 25 Pound Boxes

Once your bounty arrives:

• Keep oysters chilled at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Store in a cooler or fridge, protected from air exposure.

• Serve immediately for peak quality, within 4 days max.

• Provide oyster knives, shucking gloves, and accoutrements like lemon and sauce.

• Allow at least 2-3 oysters per person if serving as appetizers.

• Plan for 8-12 or more per person for a full oyster bar.

Buy Your Bivalve Bounty!

When it comes to oyster box quantities, use the oyster per pound estimates provided earlier as a helpful guide. Remember that a 25 pound bushel equals about 100-150 average oysters.

Set your sights on fresh, local oysters whenever possible for unbeatable flavor. Then order your preferred quantity, crack open the shells, and start slurping down the briny goodness! Whether you select a petite 25 pound box or a mammoth 60 pound bushel, a bounty of oysters makes any occasion extra special.