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Seashell Shack :: Clams
A large number of bivalved mollusks, which are sought as food or bait. Clams are an important item in the restaurant trade and are collected in great quantities by people along both coasts of the United States. Nearly all clams are delicious to eat, although the meats of some species are bitter. Depending on the environment, clams can be toxic or deadly to humans, depending on either (1) the occurrence of noxious plankton blooms (see Red Tide) or (2) the presence of pollution (which see) from untreated sewage. It is advisable to check with local health authorities in all areas where these bivalves are taken as food. Some forms of hepatitis may originate from eating raw clams. Commercial stocks must pass rigid inspection.
In the United States one of the best known clams is the softshell clam Mya arenaria. Along the Atlantic coast it occurs from the Arctic Ocean to Cape Hatteras, and it has been introduced into western Florida where it has done exceptionally well. It has also been introduced into Europe, although it is not especially sought there as food. It also occurs in central California. Found on mud flats and under stones, generally in the intertidal zone, it is avidly sought by gourmets and beachcombers. The hardshell clam, Mercenaria mercenaria or quahog (pronounced co hog) is equally delicious and is avidly sought, being eaten more often cooked and in chowder than the softshell, which is considered a delicacy raw as well as cooked. Usually found from 1-6 fathoms deep, hardshells can be obtained commercially by clam rakes operated by hand or using hydraulic dredge boats, which utilize high-pressure jets of water that unearth the clams from their burrows. These are then picked up with large rakes or dredged; such operations usually being carried out from mediumsized boats. A related form, the surf or skimmer clam, Polynyma solidissima, is also highly esteemed for use in chowder. It is found in water deeper than the soft or hardshell cams. Along the Pacific coast of the United States, the geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck), Panomya generosa has a large, delicious siphon, which may be up to six or seven times as long, when protruded, as the shell, which grows to about 7 inches. Other delicious clams are the bean clam (Donax spp.), a small, colorful clam found in the intertidal zone, and which is delicious in soup; and the cockles, which are especially prized in Europe, both as fresh food and in stews and chowders. One large clam, the granddaddy clam, Tridacna gigas, occurs throughout Oceania and is especially sought as a souvenir. Its shell is white with pink, orange, or blue tints, and is delicately sculptured. Large individuals reach 500 pounds. Although it is alleged that native divers have been trapped in the powerful jaws, there is no record to authenticate this report.
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