Clams (Hard Shelled, Farmed) | Santa Monica Seafood

Species Name:

Mercenaria mercenaria

Sustainability Rating:

Green – Best Choice

What:

Hard clams – also known as quahogs (pronounced coe-hogs). Other names – Littlenecks, Cherrystones, Chowder Clams – are this same species of clam and simply reference the clams size.

When:

Available Year-Round

Where/How:

Where – USA

How – Farm Raised

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Characteristics

Characteristics Clam meat is sweet and flavorful and has a slight chewy texture. What type of clam to buy depends on how you’re preparing them. Small sizes are ideal for serving raw, steaming or grilling. Clams get tougher as they get larger, so pick larger clams for chowders, fritters and other cooked preparations.

For Your Menu

Menu Clams are very versatile – just pick the right size! A great addition to a raw bar or seafood tower. Steam clams in a local beer, make a unique version of clam chowder, add them to a seafood stew.

For Your Waitstaff

Wait Staff If customers are looking for a sustainable seafood option – clams are a great choice! Very low impact (and delicious)!

For Your Retail Display

Keep live clams looking fresh by rinsing them in ice cold water once a day.