For seafood enthusiasts, there’s something special about April—it marks one of the best times of the year for enjoying premium shellfish. Whether you crave succulent prawns, plump oysters, or sweet scallops, April offers the perfect combination of peak freshness, ideal harvesting conditions, and fantastic seasonal availability.
If you love shellfish, here’s why April should be your go-to month for indulging in the ocean’s finest offerings.
The Perfect Season for Oysters
April is a golden month for oyster lovers in Australia. The famous Sydney Rock Oysters and Pacific Oysters are at their prime, boasting a clean, briny taste with a plump, creamy texture.
Why is April ideal for oysters?
- Post-Spawning Perfection – Oysters that have finished spawning in summer regain their firm texture and rich flavour in autumn, making them more enjoyable to eat.
- Cooler Waters, Better Taste – The cooler waters of April enhance oyster quality, making them sweeter and more balanced in flavour.
- Ideal for Raw or Cooked Preparations – Whether you prefer them freshly shucked with lemon or grilled with garlic butter, April oysters shine in any dish.
Prawns: Fresh, Plentiful & Sweet
If you’re a fan of prawns, April is the time to stock up. As the warm summer currents shift, prawn fisheries continue to thrive, bringing some of the juiciest, most flavourful prawns of the year.
What makes April prawns so special?
- High Availability – Both wild-caught and farmed prawns are abundant, giving you plenty of choice at great prices.
- Firm & Juicy Texture – The prawns harvested during this time have a snappy bite and a natural sweetness that makes them perfect for grilling, stir-frying, or tossing into a fresh seafood salad.
- Great for Entertaining – Whether you’re planning a casual seafood feast or a gourmet dish, April prawns offer exceptional versatility.
Scallops: Peak Sweetness & Tenderness
Australian scallops are at their peak in April, offering the ultimate balance of sweetness and buttery softness. Sourced from pristine waters, these gems of the sea are a favourite for both home cooks and chefs.
Why April is the best time for scallops:
- Optimal Harvesting Conditions – The cooler waters slow down growth slightly, resulting in plumper, more flavourful scallops.
- Naturally Sweet & Buttery – April scallops have a rich, deep sweetness that makes them perfect for searing, baking, or enjoying raw as sashimi.
- Pairs Well with Autumn Flavours – Think of seared scallops with pumpkin puree, nutty brown butter, or citrus-forward sauces—April’s harvest complements these seasonal ingredients beautifully.
Crabs & Lobsters: Autumn’s Ocean Treasures
April is also a prime time for Australian crabs and lobsters, as they are fully grown and at their most flavourful. Blue Swimmer Crabs, Mud Crabs, and Rock Lobsters are in excellent condition, offering firm, juicy meat that’s perfect for indulgent seafood dishes.
Highlights of April’s crab and lobster season:
- Meaty & Flavourful – The cooler months allow crabs and lobsters to develop richer, more succulent meat.
- Perfect for Chilly Evenings – Whether you’re making a warming crab bisque, a hearty seafood pasta, or classic garlic butter lobster, these shellfish are the ultimate comfort food.
- Sustainable & Ethical Choices – April aligns with sustainable fishing practices for many shellfish species, ensuring a responsible and delicious choice for seafood lovers.
The Best Ways to Enjoy April’s Shellfish Bounty
With so many fantastic shellfish options available, here are some delicious ways to make the most of the season:
- Oyster & Wine Pairing Night – Enjoy fresh oysters with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Prawn BBQ Feast – Toss fresh prawns on the grill with garlic butter and lemon for a simple yet unforgettable meal.
- Scallop & Citrus Ceviche – A refreshing dish that highlights the scallops’ natural sweetness with zesty citrus.
- Chilli Crab Night – Get messy with a Singapore-style chilli crab dish that’s packed with bold, spicy flavours.
- Lobster Pasta Indulgence – Make the most of April lobsters with a rich, creamy lobster pasta.
Final Thoughts
April is a dream month for shellfish lovers, offering the freshest, most flavour-packed selections of oysters, prawns, scallops, crabs, and lobsters. With the perfect balance of seasonality, sustainability, and superior taste, it’s the best time to treat yourself to Australia’s finest seafood.Don’t miss out on April’s seafood bounty! Visit us at 41 Clapham Rd, Regents Park NSW 2143, Australia, or explore our premium shellfish selection online at www.seafoodfactoryoutlet.com.au.
