East Coast
Hard Shell Clams
(Quahog)
Description:
There are ~2000 different kinds of clams but only two main groups sold commercially, softshelled and hard-shelled. Soft-shell does not mean the clam has a shell that is soft to the
touch, rather it refers to the clams with thinner more brittle shells. Hard-shelled clams
have a strong shells and can tolerate higher salinity. Hard-shelled clams are found in tidal
areas along the east coast of the US and Canada and the west coast of the UK. There are
also hard-shelled clams in the US Pacific Northwest called manilas. They are an invasive species.
There are two varieties of US East Coast hard-shelled clams referred to as quahogs (the Indian
word for clam), but the clams are more commonly named according to their size/age. The
size of a clam is a measure of the width across its hinge or the thickness. As a clam gets
older, it grows larger. It is important to note that vendors may have different grading systems.
The smaller sizes are usually farmed-raised, while the larger sizes tend to be wild product.
The clams pictured above named left to right:
Chowder, 10 years old and the largest
Cherrystone, 8 years
Topneck, 6-7 years
Count or Middleneck, 4-5 years
Littleneck 2-3 years
Button/Pastaneck, 1-2 yrs
HANDLING
Clams should be stored dry at 3240°F and avoid sudden temperature
changes. Do NOT store on ice.
Keep them packed tightly together.
Do NOT restrict oxygen, remember
the clams are alive.
Eating Qualities:
Clams can be eaten raw and/or cooked. They are delicious and
nutritious. Clams are high in protein, potassium, and iron. Generally,
the smaller the clam, the more tender it is.
Sold as:
250ct bags
Piece
Fortune Fish Company
1068 Thorndale Avenue
Bensenville, IL 60106
T:630.860.7100
F:630.860.7400
www.fortunefishco.net