LOOKING to the future, a familyrun oyster farm on Lismore wanted to diversify by introducing a new product which would help offer local employment and more economic security.
Poaching oysters in unusual flavours such as artisan gin, white wine, Champagne and lemon was the brainwave of Mairi Hawkes, whose father started farming oysters from the Isle of Lismore 25 years ago.
Before launching the new product range, Mairi wanted to carry out some research to ensure the shellfish didn’t shrink during the process, had as long a shelf life as possible and to develop the flavours.