Abalone is a highly sought-after delicacy that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. This shellfish is known for its unique flavor and texture, making it a popular ingredient in many high-end restaurants.
However, the cost of abalone can vary greatly depending on where you purchase it and how it’s processed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different factors that affect the price of abalone in restaurants.
From wholesale prices to beach prices, we’ll explore the various costs associated with this luxurious seafood. So, if you’re curious about how much abalone costs in a restaurant, keep reading to find out!
How Much Does Abalone Cost In A Restaurant?
The cost of abalone in a restaurant can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. One of the biggest factors is the type of abalone being served. There are four different species of abalone in Australia, including greenlip, brownlip, Roe’s, and blacklip. Of these, blacklip abalone is the most highly prized and can command the highest prices.
Another factor that can affect the cost of abalone in a restaurant is how it’s prepared. Abalone steaks, for example, can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $90 to $155 per pound. Frozen abalone, on the other hand, can be much more affordable, with prices as low as $55 per pound.
Live abalone is another popular option in restaurants, but it can be quite pricey. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $35 for about seven to 10 ounces of live abalone. Dried abalone is also available in some restaurants, but it can be even more expensive than live abalone, with prices around $150 per pound.
The location of the restaurant can also play a role in the cost of abalone. In some areas where abalone is more plentiful, such as Tasmania, prices may be lower than in areas where it’s more scarce.
Finally, it’s worth noting that there is a black market for poached red abalone that can command extremely high prices. In one New York Times article, poached red abalone was being sold for close to $100 each.
What Is Abalone And Why Is It So Expensive?
Abalone is a rare and luxurious delicacy that comes with a hefty price tag. It is a type of sea snail that must be collected by hand from the ocean, and its rarity and difficulty of obtaining it are two of the main reasons for its high cost. Additionally, the luxury label attached to it, such as Wagyu beef or caviar, drives up the price.
Abalone can only grow in coastal waters and most abalone species can only thrive in cold waters, in locations such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the western side of North America. Unlike other types of seafood, abalone is not in abundance when it comes to quantity. With global warming leading to rising sea water temperatures, we can only expect the supply of abalone to decline further.
Abalone is also heavy, with one kilo caught translating to approximately 250 grams of meat. The trade in abalone is thought to be the most criminalized wildlife trade in Africa and is fraught with complex socio-cultural problems. As demand has skyrocketed, abalone has been called “white gold” due to its high prices and the color of its pearl under the flesh.
Furthermore, during the Chinese New Year, demand for abalone spikes, which results in higher prices. Compare this to the price of abalone if you were to buy it during the rest of the year. The dramatically high cost of abalone comes from its rarity and the difficulty experienced in obtaining it. It’s a kind of sea snail, and each one must be gathered by hand from the ocean.
In addition, harvesting abalone is tough work. Unlike many kinds of fish, where a single haul of the net can harvest a tonne, abalone has to be handpicked one by one. A diver has to dive into the sea to look for them, pick a few, then carry it back to shore before starting all over again. It is very labour-intensive and the yield is very low.
Abalone dishes can cost real fortunes in Japan as it is known as the “sea truffle”. The value of abalone comes from both its delicious flesh and its polished shell, a beautiful iridescent blue shell of mother of pearl. In Japan, abalone dishes can cost real fortunes. Unfortunately, many countries are plagued by illegal fishing (poaching) for abalone.
The Different Types Of Abalone And How They Affect The Price
Abalone is available in four different species in Australia, including greenlip, brownlip, Roe’s, and blacklip. Blacklip abalone is the most highly prized and can command the highest prices due to its rarity and strong flavor. Brownlip abalone is also highly sought after, but it has a milder taste than blacklip abalone. Greenlip abalone is the most commonly available species and is often used in canned or frozen products. Roe’s abalone is the smallest of the four species and is less commonly used in restaurants.
The size of the abalone can also affect its price. Generally, larger abalone have a firmer texture and are more expensive than smaller ones. The diet of the abalone can also impact its taste, with wild harvested abalone having a stronger sea taste than farmed ones.
The way the abalone is prepared can also affect its price. Abalone steaks are often the most expensive option, while frozen or canned abalone can be more affordable. Live abalone is another popular option but can be quite pricey due to its freshness.
The Role Of Location In Abalone Pricing
Location is a key factor in determining the price of abalone in a restaurant. Abalone is primarily harvested from coastal waters, and the availability of abalone can vary greatly depending on the location. In areas where abalone is more abundant, prices may be lower due to the ease of harvesting and the lower transportation costs. For example, restaurants located near abalone farms or coastal areas with high abalone populations may be able to offer abalone at a lower price than restaurants located in areas with lower abalone populations.
Conversely, restaurants located in areas where abalone is scarce may have to pay a premium for their supply, which can drive up the cost for customers. Additionally, transportation costs can also impact the price of abalone in a restaurant. If the abalone has to be transported over long distances or across borders, the cost of transportation can add to the overall cost of the product.
How Processing Affects Abalone Cost
The processing of abalone can also affect the cost of the final product. If abalone is processed prior to being sold, producers can access markets for abalone shells to be used for jewelry and other decorative purposes. This can add value to the product and potentially increase the price.
However, processing abalone can also add costs. Producers may need to invest in processing or packing facilities, which can be expensive. Additionally, there are regulatory considerations associated with processing abalone that must be taken into account.
Another factor to consider is the type of feed given to the abalone during farming. Abalone feed primarily on kelp, which can be costly to produce or purchase. This cost may be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices.
Furthermore, emerging trends in ocean acidification and seawater warming may complicate successful culture of red abalone in the coming years. This may result in higher costs associated with maintaining optimal growing conditions for the abalone.
The Impact Of Seasonality On Abalone Prices
Seasonality can also have an impact on the cost of abalone in restaurants. Abalone growth varies with seasons, food availability, population density, temperature, local hydrography of the reef and stress. In some areas, abalone growth is seasonal, with faster growth rates observed in spring and summer. As a result, the supply of abalone can fluctuate throughout the year, leading to changes in price.
Additionally, fishing closures during certain seasons can also affect the availability of abalone and subsequently its price. For example, data from underwater surveys conducted between 2009 and 2021 showed that closed fishing seasons had a positive effect on the density and size composition of Omani abalone. After a 3-year closure from 2008-2010, average density, abundance of mature and legal size abalone, and average size all increased significantly. However, after 2011, abalone density and size decreased despite four 1-2 year closed fishing seasons.
Comparing Wholesale And Restaurant Prices For Abalone
When it comes to the cost of abalone, it’s important to consider both wholesale and restaurant prices. In the United States, prior to the 1920s, abalone was predominantly eaten, gathered, and prepared by Chinese immigrants. By the 2000s, the price had risen significantly, with a restaurant-served portion of wholesale abalone costing about $75.
However, wholesale prices for abalone can vary greatly depending on the region and the species. In the US, for example, the total values in export for abalone were US$ 15,148, US$ 7,533, US$ 3,441 and US$ 6,740 in US dollar thousand for the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 in that order. The prices of abalone in US per tonne for the years 2016 to 2019 were US$ 12,265.59, US$ 19,719.90, US$ 19,331.46 and US$ 19,093.48 respectively.
In China, prices for certain species of seafood can jump by 30 to 50 percent during Chinese New Year season. At the Hai Xia market in Fuzhou, crab prices can reach CNY 200 (USD 29.07) per 500 grams during this time. Similarly, at the Xing Wen Li market in Wenzhou, average prices for large-sized yellow croaker can increase by up to 109 percent since December.
