How to Clean Fresh Clams
Sand accumulates in hard and soft shell clams which live in the water buried under sand and mud. Soft shell clams have an increased risk of sand in their shells due to their inability to close their shell tightly. Farm-raised clams typically get the sand cleaned from them prior to being sold, but it's always good to take the precaution of cleaning any leftover sand or debris in all types of clams. Adequately cleaning clams reduces the risk of eating salty or sandy clams. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Fresh clams
- 2 large bowls
- Fresh cool tap water
- Stiff scrub brush
- 1/3 cup salt or cornmeal, optional
Instructions
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1
Inspect all clams closely. Discard any that have open or partially open shells that do not close when gently tapped. Also discard any shells that may have cracks or chips.
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2
Place all the clams in a large bowl and fill it with cool tap water until all the shells are adequately covered with water. For every 24 clams, add approximately four cups of cool water.
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3
Add 1/3 cup of salt or cornmeal to aid in helping the clams purge the sand, if desired.
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4
Soak the clams in fresh cool water prior to cooking for 20 to 60 minutes. The clams will self-clean as they breathe, filtering most of the sand and salt out of the shells during this time.
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5
Gently extract clams from the water. Do not pour and drain them since the sand on the bottom of the bowl may end up back in the clam shells.
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6
Soak the clams two or three times to make sure the clams completely clean the debris from the shells. Change the water each time.
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7
Use a stiff brush to clean the outside of each clam while under running water. This will remove any excess sand, barnacles or other debris from the shells.
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8
Place the clams in a large bowl of clean, cool water, and place them in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare your recipe.
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Tips & Warnings
After harvest, fresh clams have a shelf life of 7-10 days, but are best eaten the day you catch them.
After purchasing your clams, unwrap and allow them to breathe so they don't die prior to being prepared.
Always cook your clams when they are alive.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Clams in dish image by kellykramer from Fotolia.com
