Clams are a nutritious food choice that offers a range of essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. When selecting clams, it’s important to consider these 5 key factors to ensure you choose clams that are meaty, plump, and worth your money:
1. Observing the shell
Choosing clams by observing the shell
High-quality clams typically have smooth, shiny shells without any unusual spots. Additionally, the greener the shell, the richer and more delicious the clam meat will be. Conversely, yellowish shells with dark brown spots indicate thin, less meaty, and less appetizing clams.
2. Observing the abdomen
Choosing clams by observing the abdomen
Whether you’re buying crabs or clams, look for white, undented abdomens. Male clams have flatter abdomens, while females have rounder, fuller ones. Beware of slightly bulging abdomens with yellow or red liquid, as they may indicate roe-filled and fatty clams. Avoid crabs or clams with darkened, discolored, or spotted abdomens, as they may have been injected with water to increase weight.
3. Observing the claws
Choosing clams by observing the claws
According to fishermen, crabs and clams with ample meat have reddish-yellow claws and swollen bodies. The claws should be tightly attached and have firmly attached hairs. Young crabs or clams have slightly yellowish color and easily removable claw hairs, so they should be avoided.
4. Weight
Choosing clams by observing the weight
Weight can be a good indicator of the quality of clams and crabs. If they feel heavy and substantial when held, they are likely fresh and delicious, with plenty of meat and no defects.
5. Choosing by gender
Choosing clams by gender
In addition to the mentioned criteria, consider the gender of the crabs or clams to select the best meat. Avoid buying female clams or crabs about to lay eggs, as the meat will be thin, less sweet, and less fresh. Male clams or crabs generally have firmer and more flavorful meat. You can differentiate between male and female clams or crabs by examining the triangular area under the abdomen, which is smaller in males.
When purchasing live crabs or clams, ensure they are flexible and active. Healthy specimens will crawl and release bubbles of air. If you aren’t consuming them immediately, refrigerate them to keep them fresh and preserved for longer.
These guidelines cover the key factors for selecting meaty and plump clams. We hope this article helps you prepare delicious and nutritious dishes using this fresh and special ingredient!
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