Scallops and blood cockles are two seafood delicacies that are loved by many due to their delicious taste and ease of preparation. However, not everyone can tell the difference between these two seafood treats. So, what sets them apart? Let’s find out with Bach Hoa Xanh!
1 Appearance
The first distinguishing feature lies in their physical appearance. Blood cockles, a type of bivalve mollusk, have thick, egg-shaped shells. They are typically found in coastal areas with a depth of one to two meters below the water surface and in soft mud flats. Their name derives from the reddish color of their meat, and adult cockles can grow to a length of 5-6 cm and a width of 4-5 cm.
Distinguishing scallops from blood cockles
Scallops, on the other hand, are larger in size, with adult scallops measuring up to 48 mm in length and 33 mm in width. Their shells are oval-shaped and uneven in size. The outermost part of the shell is covered with a layer of brown hair-like filaments, giving them their distinctive name.
2 Habitat
Blood cockles can survive in waters as deep as 20 meters, but they predominantly inhabit coastal areas and soft mud flats with relatively low salinity and temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Habitat of scallops and blood cockles
Scallops, in contrast, are more commonly found in tropical climates, such as the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including the coastal waters of Vietnam. In Vietnam, they are predominantly found in provinces like Kien Giang and Ca Mau.
3 Nutritional Value
When it comes to nutritional content, these two seafood delights offer distinct profiles. Specifically, 100 grams of scallop meat contains 3 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, and 8.8 grams of carbohydrates, along with a host of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D, and the B-complex group, as well as essential minerals.
Nutritional comparison of scallops and blood cockles
On the other hand, 100 grams of blood cockle meat boasts a higher carbohydrate content of 3.5 grams, along with 11.7 grams of protein, 1.2 grams of fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, and B2. Additionally, blood cockles are a good source of valuable minerals like iron and zinc.
While blood cockles are renowned for their blood-boosting properties, care must be taken during preparation to retain their nutritional benefits. Scallops, though slightly less celebrated, offer a comparable nutritional profile.
4 Price
Like many seafood varieties, the price of blood cockles and scallops varies depending on their size. Currently, blood cockles range in price from 90,000 to 150,000 VND per kilogram.
Scallops, on the other hand, are more affordable, typically costing between 45,000 and 60,000 VND per kilogram. If you live in a coastal area, you may even find these delicacies at lower prices.
Price comparison of scallops and blood cockles