How to Feed Steamer Clams

Feed your clams before they feed you.

Steamer clams hail from the waters off the mid-Atlantic coast in a range extending up to New England and, according to cookbook author Alton Brown, the shells of these clams never close, which requires the cook to clean the clams before preparing. Cleaning steamer clams means you must feed these bivalves. As the clams eat their last meal, they will eject any dirt inside their shells, making these sea creatures self-cleaning. "The Science of Good Food" notes that both clams and mussels benefit from this feeding to rid the inside of the shell of grit and dirt.

Things You'll Need

• Steamer clams
• Shallow container
• Damp towel
• ½ cup salt
• 1 gallon warm water
• 2 tbsp. cornmeal

Instructions

1. Store your live steamer clams in a shallow container in a single layer, covered with a damp towel and refrigerate for up to two days.

2. Pour one-half cup salt, one gallon of warm water and 2 tablespoons cornmeal over the steamer clams one hour before cooking.

3. Let the clams feed on the cornmeal for one hour, during which time they will "spit" out any dirt inside their shells.

4. Remove the clams from the salt water, scrub under running water and prepare according to your recipe.

References

• "The Science of Good Food"; David Joachim, Andrew Schloss; 2008
• "Good Eats: The Early Years"; Alton Brown; 2009.
• Practically Edible: Soft Shell Clams

Resources

• Chow: Clam Recipes
• Epicurious: Steamer Clam Recipes