| Size | Width |
|---|---|
| Middle Necks | 2 to 2 1/2 inches |
| Top Necks | 2 1/2 to 3 inches |
| Cherrystones | 3-4 inches |
| Chowders | 4-6 inches |
What are the size ranges for clams?
- Little Neck - small and tender they are usually steamed open or eaten on the half shell.
- Top Neck - typically eaten raw on the half shell, grilled open or as a baked clam appetizer
- Cherrystone - eaten raw or most often used for baked clam appetizers such as clams casino
- Chowder - the largest and toughest hard clams. usually wind up in chowders
What is the size of a hard clam?
The hard clam can live up to 30 years and grow to (on average) 4 inches in length. But, like all living things, they have to start somewhere. Hard clams begin their adult lives as males. In successive years they may change their sex and produce eggs. Sperm cells are much smaller than eggs and require less metabolic energy to produce.
How many clams are in a pound?
They measure about 1 to 2 inches across and are the more expensive of the two types. Little necks, the smallest hard shell clam also known as having the sweetest taste, usually have around 10 to 12 clams in a pound. Clams are generally sold in bushels, which vary in size depending on what kind of clam you are purchasing.
Do clams and scallops taste the same?
Scallops taste just like their relative oysters and clams but have the deliciousness of a lobster and crab, making them buttery and very sweet , they have this nutty flavor that is quite similar to almond. The down side is that they don’t possess the same compatibility. a lot like their cousins – clams and oysters.
What sizes do clams come in?
Clam Size Differences The topneck falls in between the littleneck and cherrystone, ranging from 2 1/8 inches to 2 3/8 inches. Chowders, the largest clams, grow more than 3 1/8 inches long and some can reach 5 inches or more.
What size clams are best?
Measuring 1-1/2 to just over 2 inches across and weighing a mere 1-to 2 ounces each, these tender little clams are the best for eating raw, steaming whole, or adding whole (steamed in their shells) to dishes such as pasta sauce or seafood stew.
What are different size clams called?
From smallest to largest, generally, countneck, littleneck, topneck, cherrystone, and chowder all describe different widths of the clam—and the word "quahog" itself is sometimes used specifically to describe chowder clams.
What are small clams called?
LittlenecksLittlenecks: The smallest of the hard-shell clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), measuring just over one inch across (measured at the hinge). These are the clams most often seen raw, on the half-shell on seafood platters.
How do you pick out good clams?
Since soft shell clams often can't close all the way, tap or touch the side of the shell or the siphon to see if either moves. If the siphon is small enough to retract, it will. If there's no response to tapping or touching, the clam has perished and should be discarded. Fresh clams shouldn't smell fishy.
Which clams are the sweetest?
Little Neck is the smallest and most expensive Eastern hard shell, averaging about 10 to 12 clams per pound. Little necks are best served on the half-shell (raw) because they are the most tender and have the sweetest flavor.
What are the best eating clams?
A Buyer's Guide to the 7 Clams Everyone Should KnowCHOWDER. (Mercenaria mercenaria) ... STEAMER. (Mya arenaria) ... CHERRYSTONE. (Mercenaria mercenaria) ... NEW ZEALAND COCKLE. (Austrovenus stutchburyi) ... RAZOR. (Ensis directus) ... MANILA. (Ruditapes philippinarum)
What are different types of clams?
Below, he breaks down the seven major clam species that grow in the United States.Atlantic Hard-Shell Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)Soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria)Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum)Surf clams (Spisula solida)Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula)Atlantic Jackknife clam (Ensis leei)More items...•
How big is the largest clam?
four and a half feetThe largest known specimen of giant clam was over four and a half feet (1.3 m) wide and weighed approximately 550 pounds (250 kg). The large majority of a giant clam's mass is in its shell, with the soft parts accounting for only approximately 10% of the weight.
What is a large clam called?
There are actually several species of "giant clams" in the genus Tridacna, which are often misidentified for Tridacna gigas, the most commonly intended species referred to as “the giant clam”....Giant clamSpecies:T. gigasBinomial nameTridacna gigas (Linnaeus, 1758)Synonyms13 more rows
What type of clams are served in restaurants?
Types of ClamsLittleneck Clams. Littleneck clams are named after the beautiful Little Neck Bay on Long Island and are the smallest and most tender type of clam. ... Middleneck Clams. ... Topneck Clams. ... Cherrystone Clams. ... Quahogs.
Are steamers and little neck clams the same?
steamers. You might be wondering about the difference between littlenecks and steamers. While littlenecks have a hard shell, steamers have a soft shell. And soft-shell clams are often referred to as “steamers” or “fryers” because they're never eaten raw.
What is the smallest clam?
Littlenecks: The smallest of the hard-shell clams ( Mercenaria mercenaria ), measuring just over one inch across (measured at the hinge). These are the clams most often seen raw, on the half-shell on seafood platters.
How to eat a clam?
To eat, one pulls the clam from the shell, dips it in the broth to rinse any sand or grit off of it, and then might dunk it in melted butter before popping in one's mouth. They're also delicious when fried or used in chowders . 04 of 10.
What is a Manila clam called?
Manila clams ( Venerupis philippinarum) are, like Atlantic soft-shell clams, often called "steamers, " since steaming them and pulling them from their shells to dip them in melted butter is a popular way to eat them.
Why are clams called steamers?
Another example is that different species are all called "steamers" because people like to steam them.
Where do hard shell clams live?
They live in the Atlantic Ocean along the east coasts of the U.S. and Canada in intertidal areas burrowed in the sand. They are harvested by simply digging them ...
What is a soft shell clam?
Soft-shell clams, commonly called steamers or Ipswich clams, are the species Mya arenaria. You can tell them from hard clams by their lighter-colored, more oblong shells, which are also quite brittle and thus require some care when handling.
Where do surf clams live?
Surf clams ( Spisula solida) live on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. and Canada from South Carolina up to Nova Scotia. Beach-goers on the Atlantic coast know the shells well—the surf tends to bring them to shore. They're famous when sliced up, fried, and served as "clam strips.".
How big are clams?
They make up 70% of all clams harvested in the U.S., and are the largest commercial clam industry by far. These clams are huge - their shells are 6” to 9” across and they weigh 2-3 pounds at optimal harvest size, but grow even larger.
What is the common name for clams?
The Algonquin word for clams, “poquauhok”, eventually morphed into “quahog”, a now common term for hard clams. So common were clams in the New World that in 1641 the New Netherland Colony (the first Dutch colony in North America) passed an ordinance stating that polished clam shells, strung as beads or belts and used by the local tribes as wampum (money), would also serve as money in the colony.
How big are clams in New York?
In general: Littlenecks are 1 ½” - 2” wide.
How long does it take for a clam to grow?
Clams are very slow growers - it may take 2 to 3 years for a clam to reach littleneck size, and a large chowder clam can easily be 30 or 40 years old. Clams reproduce when the water warms up, late spring and early summer typically. They use a method similar to trees and flowers called broadcast spawning.
What does a razor clam look like?
Unlike some clams these are easy to identify, with its long thin narrow shell, it looks like a straight razor or a folded jackknife (no wonder it’s also known as the Atlantic Jackknife Clam). These clams are found all along the East Coast from Canada to South Carolina, but until recently they were easier to find on a beach than in a New York City restaurant. Nowadays though, more and more chefs are seeking unique, local ingredients, and the razor clam has come into its own and is garnering its share of the limelight. Home cooks, no longer intimidated by this unusual clam, aren’t afraid to try some in their kitchens as well.
What is the best seafood to eat with linguine?
Fresh clams are one of the most versatile seafood, whether enjoyed in the classic dish of linguine with clams or as a summertime treat, fried to crispy, golden perfection. Robert DiGregorgio, our Head of Quality Control, walks us through the different types of clams and how to best enjoy one of America's favorite shellfish.
What was the first Dutch colony to use clam shells as money?
So common were clams in the New World that in 1641 the New Netherland Colony (the first Dutch colony in North America) passed an ordinance stating that polished clam shells, strung as beads or belts and used by the local tribes as wampum (money), would also serve as money in the colony. Skip ahead 331 years.
What is a soft shell clam?
This Atlantic clam, a staple of New England clam shacks, is knows as a "soft-shell" because its oval-shaped armor (one-and-a-half to three inches in diameter) is more brittle than a quahog's. Once it's out of the water, its "neck" (actually, two siphons used for breathing and eating) protrudes through a gaping shell, so it's more perishable as well. That's why steamers are always cooked before eating.
How old are cherrystone clams?
A cherrystone clam, five to six years old and two to three inches in diameter, is the middle child in the quahog family. Smaller ones (sometimes called topnecks) can be enjoyed raw on the half shell, and larger ones are delicious steamed or grilled. Fun fact: Native Americans made wampum out of quahog shells, which led to the bivalve's Latin name: mercenaria, or "hired for wages."
What is the name of the soft shell that is similar to a straight razor?
The Pacific razor , a different species, is longer, wider, and more strongly flavored.
How many species of oysters are there in the world?
Like other bivalve mollusks -- oysters, scallops, and mussels -- these coastal, primarily cultivated delicacies have a hinged two-part shell. There are more than 150 edible species in the world, here's the lowdown on what you're likely to find at a seafood market (or clambake) near you.
Is a clam a bivalve?
The chowder clam, the cherrystone, and the littleneck are all the same bivalve species: Atlantic hard-shells, or quahogs ( KO-hogs ). They are distinguished by size, and the chowder is the largest (because it's the oldest, harvested at up to eight years of age), measuring more than three inches across. Too tough to eat raw, it turns soft and juicy when chopped and used in chowder or stuffed clams.
Where did Manila clams originate?
Native to the western Pacific Ocean, the Manila was accidentally introduced to the Pacific Northwest in the early 20th century. Less than two inches in diameter, it has a higher ratio of meat to shell than similar clams, since its shell is thinner.
Is clam a good source of iron?
As such, it offers a bit more nutrition, too: Clams are a good source of protein, iron, vitamin B12, potassium, selenium, and omega-3s. Watch our Kitchen Conundrums expert Thomas Joseph demystify how to buy, clean, and store clams. Now you're ready to host a clambake!
How to shuck a clam?
When you're ready to get shucking, grab a clam knife and practice your technique: slip the rounded end into the seam where the shells meet, and twist it (like you're turning a key in a lock). With the right technique (and the right types of clams, of course), you'll be set for the shellfish meal of your dreams in no time.
Do clams have the same flavor as linguine?
You'll want to study up, because the clams you enjoy raw on the half shell aren't the same as the ones you toss with your linguine. Just as the types of clam chowder are very different—but equally enjoyable, depending on who you ask—the different types of clams have their own flavors and uses.
How many types of clams are there?
There are about 150 edible types of clams, but only a handful of them are commonly available commercially. 1. Hard Clams. Hard clams, also known as quahogs (a word that comes from the Narragansett word poquauhock ), include two main varieties: Northern quahogs ( Mercenaria mercenaria ), also known as Atlantic hard-shell clams, ...
What are the different types of clams?
A Pacific coast clam of the genus Saxidomus, Washington clams are also known as butter clams for their melty mouthfeel. They are commonly steamed or grilled. There are two types: 1 Northern Washington clams ( S. giganteus) can be found from Alaska to San Francisco and are up to four inches in diameter. 2 Southern Washington clams ( S. nuttalli) are larger (up to seven inches) and have purple markings inside their shells. Confusingly, these clams are not found in Washington at all: They are harvested from Humboldt Bay in Northern California to Baja California in Mexico.
How long do clams grow?
Soft-shell clams have long siphons and grayish-white, oval-shaped shells that are usually one and a half to three inches long—but can grow up to six inches long. Their thin, brittle shells gape open, which can make them sandy, so you need to purge them before cooking.
What is the difference between a Northern Washington clam and a Southern Washington clam?
giganteus) can be found from Alaska to San Francisco and are up to four inches in diameter. Southern Washington clams ( S. nuttalli) are larger (up to seven inches) and have purple markings inside their shells.
What is the name of the clam that has a long protruding shell?
Clams in the Solenidae family, of the genera Ensis and Solen, are razor clams. Their shells are brittle and gape open. There are two common types of razor clams. Pacific razor clams ( Siliqua patula) aka northern razor clam, are oval in shape and have a long, protruding siphon.
What is a soft shell clam?
4. Soft-Shell Clams. Also known as steamers or longneck clams, soft-shell clams ( Mya arenaria) are iconic in New England but live on both sides of the North Atlantic and on the Pacific coast. They are also known as Ipswich clams because Ipswich, Massachusetts, is a major processing center for soft-shell clams.
Where do Manila clams come from?
Manila clams ( Venerupis philippinarum or Ruditapes philippinarum) are a type of small, sweet hard-shell clam found in the Pacific ocean. On the West Coast of the United States, they’re known as steamer clams. They’re best eaten raw, steamed, or in pasta. They have a less briny flavor than other types of clams. 7.
How many halves are there in a clam?
The two halves of a soft-shell clam are unequal in size.
What is a clam?
Clam is a term given to the species of bivalve mollusks. They’re called bivalves since the animal is protected by two shells. There are over thousands of species of clams, and identifying them can be daunting too. Some of these clams are palatable and enjoyed worldwide. They inhabit both the seas and freshwater.
How do clams reproduce?
Their reproduction usually occurs by expelling sperm and eggs in the water. Digging of clams is undertaken as a recreational or sport activity in some areas. The edible ones can be steamed, grilled, fried, or enjoyed as soups and chowders.
What family do clams belong to?
They belong to the family of bivalves consisting of oysters, mussels, scallops, etc. Each one of them have unique characteristics, with different shapes, colors, and sizes. You are here: Home / Uncategorized / 20 Types of Clams You’ve Probably Never Seen Before.
How much calcium is in a clam?
As per the United States Department of Agricultural Research Service, the nutritional content of ‘Mollusks, clams, mixed species, cooked, moist heat’ is: 3 ounce (85 gm) of steamed clams has around 57 mg of cholesterol, 2.39 mg of iron, 78 mg of calcium, and 84.06 μg of Vitamin B-12.
How long does it take for a Manila clam to mature?
Manila clams are dioecious, and become sexually mature from the first to third year of their life.
What is the scientific name for a macoma clam?
Macoma Clam. Scientific Name: Macoma nasuta and Macoma brota . They’re triangular in shape, and their siphons are separate. Owing to the shape, these are also known as the ‘bent-nose’ clam, since their valves are bent to the right.
What are the different types of clams?
Different Types of Clams. Hard Shell Clams . Hard shell clams have a short siphon, which is the part of the clam that filters through the seawater to allow them to feed. They like to bury themselves in the sand that is shallow. These types of clams are often farmed clams.
What Are Clams?
Clams are part of the bivalve family. Being bivalve means that they have shells with two hinges. They are found in both saltwater and freshwater. The clams that people eat come from saltwater. You do not often eat freshwater clams.
What is the smallest clam?
When you describe clams by size, you are referring to the width of the clam. Littleneck. Littleneck clams are the smallest of the quahogs. A Littleneck clam is the ideal clam for clams on the half shell, which are usually raw. These clams measure a little more than one inch across, which is measured at the hinge.
What is a littleneck clam?
Littleneck clams are the smallest of the quahogs. A Littleneck clam is the ideal clam for clams on the half shell , which are usually raw. These clams measure a little more than one inch across, which is measured at the hinge.
What is a cherrystone clam?
A Cherrystone clam is a popular type of clam. The Cherrystones are a little bigger than Middlenecks. Therefore, they are ideal for use in a pasta sauce or grilled. Cherrystone clams are about two and a half inches in size.
Why are clams darker?
The acidity in the mud changes the color of the shell of a soft shell clam. The darker shells indicate the clams have more flavor. In addition, these clams have larger siphons. These siphons prevent the clamshell from closing completely, making it important to remove all grit before you cook them.
What is a hen clam?
The Atlantic Surf clam is also referred to as a hen clam. The shells on the surf clam is triangular shaped and pale in color. They usually are not sold in their shell. They are large and difficult to open, so they are mostly sold in cans or in frozen form.
Names
Varieties
- Hard-shell clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) go by many names. Littlenecks, topnecks, cherrystones, chowdersthey are all the same clam, just different sizes (listed below from smallest to biggest). They live in the Atlantic Ocean along the east coasts of the U.S. and Canada in intertidal areas burrowed in the sand. They are harvested by simply digging ...
Cuisine
- Chowders: These are huge hard-shell clams perfect for soups, stews, and, of course, chowdersany dish in which they have some long, slow cooking time to make sure they're tender.
Overview
- Soft-shell clams, commonly called steamers or Ipswich clams, are the species Mya arenaria. You can tell them from hard clams by their lighter colored, more oblong shells, which are also quite brittle and thus require some care when handling.
Origin
- Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum) are, like Atlantic soft-shell clams, often called \"steamers,\" since steaming them and pulling them from their shells to dip them in melted butter is a popular way to eat them. Originally from the shores of China and up to Siberia, they now grow on the West Coast of North America, too, where they are farmed along with other bivalves like m…
Preparation
- Razor clams (Siliqua patula) are a local favorite in Oregon and Washington. They have long, thin shells and plant themselves in the sand vertically. Razors need proper cleaning to make sure they aren't sandy or gritty when cooked up. How to cook them? The most popular way is to coat them in breadcrumbs and give them a quick dunk in the fryer. They can also be sauteed or broiled wit…
Miscellaneous
- Geoducks (Panopea abrupta or Panopea generosa) are huge. Just huge. Pretty freakish, actually. To give you an idea of how big, the Chinese name for them translates as \"elephant trunk clam.\" They burrow deep into the sand in tidal flats along the Northwest coast of the U.S. and Canada. They have become popular in different Asian cuisines. They are prized for their flavor and sprigh…
Terminology
- Ocean quahogs (Arctica islandica) are distinct from the common hard-shell clams often called quahogs on the East Coast. They are also known as black clams, mahogany clams, or black quahogs. As their various names suggest, their shells are an extremely dark purple verging on black color; they are also much rounder than hard-shell clams. They are known as \"ocean quah…
Habitat
- Surf clams (Spisula solida) live on the Eastern Coast of the U.S. and Canada from South Carolina up to Nova Scotia. Beach-goers on the Atlantic shore know the shells well - the surf tends to bring them to shore. It's famous when sliced up, fried, and served as \"clam strips.\" It's also a great clam to use for chowder.
Uses
- These small clams have a distinctive triangular shape and are popular in Europe. They can be steamed and eaten plain, but their small size and gentle flavor make them perfect for tossing with pasta or stirring into risotto.