FAQ La Maison TARBOURIECH
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Origin and quality of oysters
Where do your Tarbouriech pink oysters come from?
The Tarbouriech oysters are special oysters bred in the south of France by the Tarbouriech family, particularly in the Etang de Thau.
What makes Tarbouriech oysters different from other oysters?
What makes them unique, is their innovative, patented breeding method, the Solar Tide, inspired by natural tides.
How are your oysters farmed and what methods do you use to guarantee their quality?
There are no tides in this region. The Tarbouriech family has developed a remote-controlled mechanical system of the tide. Solar panels lift the oysters out of the water at regular intervals. We manage rearing density and monitor water quality. To do this, we carry out tests throughout their life cycle. A minimum of 3 years’ maturing to ensure a high fill rate and optimum quality, before concluding the maturing process with a finishing stage in our purification tanks.
How do you guarantee the freshness and quality of your oysters?
They are taken out of the water on the day of shipment, carefully packaged and then dispatched for delivery within 24 hours. (or 48 hours maximum). Knowing that the ideal time to eat oysters is 3 to 4 days after they come out of the water, you can be sure of receiving products in optimum condition for consumption.
Taste and characteristics of Tarbouriech oysters
What do Tarbouriech oysters taste like and what are their distinctive features?
The way they are farmed and the soil of the Thau Lagoon give them a fleshy texture and a subtle, nutty, sweet taste.. Tarbouriech oysters are prized for their quality and consistency, and have become one of the world’s most popular oysters. reference in gastronomy.
What types of oysters do you offer (fine, special, etc.)?
We offer oysters from 3 different ranges. They are all raised near the Mediterranean, in the Bassin de Thau, but in different ways:
- Our Bouzigues oysters are fine oysters matured for 12 months;
- Our La Réserve Tarbouriech oysters are special oysters matured for 24 months (which means they are fleshier);
- And our Tarbouriech Special Oysters are super Special Oysters matured between 36 and 48 months, very fleshy and crunchy.
How do I choose between the different sizes of oyster?
The oysters are packed by the piece and by weight (no question of size).
Calibres range from n°5 (the lightest) to n°0 (the heaviest).
The most commonly consumed are the following:
- N°4 for buffets ;
- N°3 at the table in most households ;
- N°2 are the favourite oysters of oyster bars;
- N°1 and 0 are the ones most used by chefs to work the product in tartare or cooking.
Finally, discover the generous and tasty Seven Oysters whose premium presentation is perfect for the festive season. Give the gift of oysters with elegance!
Eating and storing oysters
How should oysters be stored once they have been received?
Regulations state that oysters should be stored between 2 and 12°C.. Our products are no exception to the rule, but you should be aware that they are little southerners and that high temperatures won’t cause any problems. However, they will be unfit for consumption if frozen or deep-frozen. Keeping them at the bottom of your fridge is the most appropriate method of storage.
How long do oysters keep?
There is no set time limit for live molluscs.. However, if they are kept in good conditions ( flat, at the right temperature ≃ 5°) note that :
- Bouzigues oysters can be kept for up to 8 days after packaging;
- Réserve Tarbouriech oysters can be kept for up to 10 days after packaging;
- And Tarbouriech Special Oysters up to 12 days after packaging.
When is the best time to buy mussels and oysters?
Oysters are good all year round.
Advice: we do our job as breeders by seeding all year round to supply you with oysters of all sizes and ranges to suit your needs.
When is the best time to buy mussels?
Mussels are particularly good from June to February, when their flesh is very plump.
Tip: in early summer, mussels from Italy are generally at the peak of their flavour, and from July onwards, mussels from the French Mediterranean are the best quality and local choice until the end of October.
How do you open an oyster safely?
To open an oyster without injuring yourself, quickly discover our tutorial and follow the advice below:
- Preparation Rinse the oysters in cold water to remove any impurities remaining on the shell. Then place the oyster on a tea towel, domed side down.
- Positioning Use a cloth (or glove) around your hand to stabilise the oyster. Hold it firmly and make sure the hinge (the pointed side of the oyster) is facing you.
- Opening To open the oyster: insert the tip of the knife two-thirds of the way in from the pointed end of the oyster, using a twisting motion as you would when inserting a tendril. Once the tip of the knife is in, gently slide the blade inwards, skimming the upper shell to cut the muscle and open the oyster.
- Remove any fragments of shell and check that the oyster is well detached from its shell.
How many oysters should I buy for 1 person?
The quantity of oysters depends on your appetite and the context (aperitif or main course). Here are a few guidelines:
- As an aperitif or starter: around 6 oysters per person, to start the meal with a light snack.
- As a main course: plan on 9 to 12 oysters per person for a more substantial meal, especially if they are served with bread, butter or other accompaniments.
- Oyster aficionados: for real oyster lovers, don’t hesitate to offer between 12 and 18 oysters per person!
For events or festive meals, you can also adjust the quantities according to the total number of dishes planned.
How can you tell if an oyster is safe to eat?
If the oyster has no odour, is well attached by its muscle to the hollow valve and retracts either when pricked with a knife or when a few drops of lemon are placed on the mantle, then you can eat it.
Attention
If an oyster is dry when you open it, this does not mean that it cannot be eaten. You need to open another one and pour its juice into the dry oyster, and after a few minutes repeat the above instructions. You’ll then know whether your dry oyster is safe to eat or not.
Delivery and packaging of Tarbouriech oysters
How many oysters per basket?
The ‘bourriche’ is the name given to the wooden crate containing the oysters.
The oysters are packed by the dozen, and the classic containers are designed for 12, 24, 48 or 96 oysters.
What are your delivery times for oysters?
Our delivery time is 24 hours for most of France, except for the West/North West coast, which will be delivered in 48 hours, as will Belgium and Luxembourg.
When should I order oysters on a particular day?
You can order whenever you like, but the sooner the better! On our site you can choose the delivery dateIf you want to eat your oysters, we advise you to have them delivered 3 to 4 days before the day you want to eat them. The ideal time to eat oysters is between 3 and 4 days after they come out of the water, so you don’t have to worry about any delays in delivery!
Do you deliver throughout France and abroad?
We deliver throughout France, Belgium and Luxembourg.
How are oysters packaged to ensure freshness during transport?
Our oysters are over-packed in a watertight bag and transported at a controlled temperature below 8°C. However, the last few kilometres may be transported at room temperature in order to maintain delivery times: rest assured, this in no way affects the quality of the product.
Can I track my order online? What should I do if I haven’t received my order?
From the day of departure, you will receive a tracking number by e-mail and/or SMS on the mobile number provided by the delivery service provider so that you can follow your delivery.
We remain available to answer any questions you may have or to deal with any logistical problems you may have:
- By e-mail marketing@tarbouriech.fr
- Call us 04 49 23 01 11.
Health and safety
How do you guarantee the safety of your oysters?
We guarantee the safety of our products thanks to a traceability system. from start to finish (from baby oysters to the basket). Daily/weekly/monthly tests are carried out on shellfish flesh and on the water of the Thau Lagoon.
We also keep a daily watch on water quality risk prevention tools. We systematically purify all shellfish before shipment in water of controlled quality, passing it through a sand filter and UV filter.
Are your oysters tested for bacteria or contaminants?
Yes, we carry out weekly tests on different batches to ensure the sanitary quality of our products.
Are there periods when oysters are not available for health safety reasons?
Yes, based on our experience and our daily monitoring, if the risk seems to be increasing, we make an isolated stock placed in water the quality of which we control before the monitoring parameters are close to the limits in order to guarantee safety.
Tasting advice
What are the best ways to taste oysters?
Oysters can be eaten plain, but certain accompaniments enhance their subtle, iodized flavors. Here are some ideas for accompaniments and tasting tips:
Fresh lemon
A squeeze of lemon or lime is the simplest and most classic accompaniment. It brings out the flavor of the oyster without altering it.
Vinegar with shallots
Mix a bit of red wine vinegar with shallots finely chopped. Add a few drops of this mixture to the oyster for a tangy, slightly sweet touch.
Pepper ou Tabasco
A turn of the pepper mill or a drop of Tabasco adds spice, perfect for those who like their flavours spicy.
Seaweed or flavored butters
You can accompany them with some edible seaweed to accentuate their marine essence. For a richer taste, try a lemon or seaweed butter, to be placed lightly melted on the oyster.
Rye bread with semi-salted butter
As an accompaniment, lightly toasted rye bread with semi-salted butter brings out the iodized flavors and creates a fine balance.
What accompaniments or wines do you recommend to enhance the tasting experience?
Discover which flavors and condiments subtly enhance the taste of Tarbouriech oysters.
White wine pairing
Some dry white wines such as Muscadet, Chablis, or Picpoul de Pinet (typically from the Etang de Thau, where Tarbouriech oysters are grown) are classic pairings. Their acidity and minerality enhance the freshness of the oysters.
Champagne or saké pairing
For a touch of elegance, champagne or dry sake are excellent with oysters, creating a soft, refined alliance.
With these accompaniments, each tasting becomes a culinary experience that brings out the natural, fresh taste of oysters.
How do you recognize a quality oyster when you taste it?
To recognize a quality oyster, we look at several factors:
- Its appearance: a beautiful conical shape, the seashell curves, good proportions (not too long and wide enough) are very good signs.
- When opening : a fresh, iodized scent, reminiscent of the sea, firm, shiny, slightly domed flesh, off-white/cream color, good shell filling. A thick, white shell with no imperfections is also a guarantee of good tasting.
- While tasting: a pleasant texture (firm and crunchy for Tarbouriech oysters, but can be meltingly smooth for oysters from Ireland, for example), a balanced flavor between sweetness and saltiness, and a long finish (like the tannins in wine) are also the signs of a top-quality product.
Specific services
Are there any gift cards or gift sets available?
Yes, our gift cards are available to help you offer oysters, a spa treatment at Domaine Tarbouriech located in Marseillan or a meal in one of our tasting facilities : St Pierre in Loupian, or St Barth in Marseillan, Le comptoir in Halles Jacques Coeur located in Montpellier or a stay at Domaine Tarbouriech.
Do you offer a service for event organizing?
For private events, we have a dedicated events department that can be contacted at event@tarbouriech.fr.
Are there any offers for professionals (restaurants, fish shops)?
We also sell to caterers and fishmongers, whether it’s our oysters or our mussels. Send an e-mail to our B2B department at order@tarbouriech.fr with your contact details and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible, or contact us via the contact form.
How can I stay informed about special offers and new products?
Register at the bottom of our home page: https://www.tarbouriech.fr/ Directly fill in the newsletter registration form.
Where can I buy seafood platters with pre-opened shells?
Order your seafood platters now from one of our establishments:
- Halles Jacques Cœur – Montpellier
- St Barth – Marseillan
- St Pierre – Loupian
Environment and eco-responsibility
Do your breeding methods respect the environment?
Our farming method, which uses solar-powered table motors and remote control, means that, compared with conventional farming, we can reduce the number of round trips by boat, and therefore our impact.
Do you use techniques to reduce your ecological impact?
To reduce our ecological impact, in addition to our farming process itself, we decided to recycle our oyster shells (production waste linked to mortalities) into cosmetics for use in our Spa under the Ostrealia brand.
What is Tarbouriech doing to preserve marine biodiversity?
We do our best to raise awareness of the concerns linked to pollution in the basin, notably through our involvement in MadLab (our arts and waste laboratory, where we host artists who create projects using waste from our oyster and mussel production).
Commitment to quality and customer feedback
What should I do if I receive damaged or poor-quality oysters?
For all after-sales service requests, please contact the marketing team by sending an e-mail to marketing@tarbouriech.fr with your order number and the e-mail address you used to place your order.
How can I contact you if I have a complaint?
Send us an e-mail to marketing@tarbouriech.fr with your order number and the e-mail address you used to place your order.
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