Texas oysters. World-class flavor.
Big Tree oysters are raised in clean waters, cared for with precision, and farmed with deep respect for the ecosystem. The result? Crisp, vibrant oysters representing the very best of Texas.
Clean waters. Exceptional flavor.
At Big Tree Oyster Company, we cultivate premium oysters in one of the healthiest bay systems on the Texas coast — Copano Bay. Floating at the top of the water column, our oysters thrive in ideal natural growing conditions. Our farm sits in a unique environment, near protected shorelines and the natural habitats of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Copano Creek, and Goose Island State Park.
The result is an oyster with a deep cup, plump meat, and a beautifully balanced profile. Expect bright salinity, a crisp clean finish, and a touch of sweetness that reflects the unique “merroir” of north Copano Bay.
Each oyster is hand-selected at the ideal shape and size (2.5-3 inches), providing a consistent quality and freshness you can count on.
Grown with precision and care.
We raise Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) — the native oyster of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts — using floating gear systems and practices refined over decades on the East and West Coasts. Our oysters deliver a high standard of quality that chefs can rely on.
Our oysters are nurtured with hands-on techniques that mimic the natural tides. Each oyster is carefully tumbled, flipped, and sorted regularly, keeping the oysters clean and helping them grow with deep cups and healthy, plump meats. At harvest time, each oyster is graded and selected by hand for consistency and chef-grade quality.
Sustainability at our core.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Amy and Seth, both Rockport natives, Big Tree Oyster Company reflects a lifelong connection to the Texas coast. Amy, a conservation biologist, and Seth, a marine hydrographer and boatbuilder, launched Texas’ 7th permitted oyster farm in 2022. For us, oyster farming is a collaboration with nature and a commitment to keeping Texas bays thriving for generations to come.
Every oyster we raise filters bay waters, increases habitat structure, and eases pressure on wild oyster reefs. Our farm requires no food, fertilizer, or chemicals. The oysters feed on nutrients in the bay water, and that’s all they need to grow and thrive. The result is one of the most sustainable foods available today.
From our farm to your table.
Copano Bay was named after the Copane group of the Karankawa tribe, the original people of the Texas coast (who also loved oysters). Our name honors the legendary live oak in Goose Island State Park known as the “Big Tree,” a symbol of resilience on the Texas coast. Like the tree, our oysters are rooted in history, nourished by clean waters, and grown with pride.
Are you a chef, distributor, or seafood buyer? Big Tree oysters are available year-round for direct sales and Texas delivery. Every order comes straight from Copano Bay to you, ensuring freshness, consistency, and premium quality your guests will remember.
FAQ
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Texas restaurants can order fresh Big Tree oysters for direct delivery, ensuring top quality and freshness, by emailing us at info@bigtreeoysters.com.
Oysters to shuck at home are available for pre-order any time in 50- and 100-count sacks. We harvest fresh oysters every week, with pickup on Fridays in Rockport. For local pickup, please email info@bigtreeoysters.com to place a pre-order.
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Big Tree oysters are frequently served at restaurants across Texas, including Rockport, Austin, and San Antonio. Availability changes weekly so please get in touch with us at info@bigtreeoysters.com to find a restaurant near you!
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Yes! Farmed oysters can be harvested and consumed year-round. Historically, we did not eat oysters in warmer months ("months without an R") in order to protect wild populations during seasonal spawning and reduce risks of foodborne illness. Now, with oyster mariculture, we can harvest year-round because we do not depend on seasonal spawning and we are not depleting the wild oyster populations. Also, with modern refrigeration, we can cool them down quickly and safely, which reduces the risks of foodborne illness and allows us to supply fresh oysters year-round.
*Consumer Advisory: Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish (including oysters), or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness, especially if you have certain medical conditions.