Buy clams – tips and tricks.
Locally sourced clams
–
Listed from biggest to smallest
–
Chowders
Hard-shell clams offer a rich, salty flavor and firm, succulent texture, making them ideal for classic dishes like clam chowder or as a centerpiece in seafood feasts. Chowder clams are typically not eaten raw due to their tough texture, making them less desirable for raw preparations but excellent for cooked applications where their meat can be properly tenderized and incorporated into hearty dishes. Chowder clams, the largest size of quahogs, are unique because of their large size and tougher texture, which makes them ideal for cooked dishes that require longer cooking times to tenderize the meat, such as chowders, stews, and baked dishes. They excel in hearty, flavorful preparations where their robust flavor and substantial meat can stand out.
Cherrystones
Prized for their sweet, plump meat and robust flavor, are perfect for indulging in raw on the half shell or for adding a touch of elegance to any seafood dish. Cherrystone clams are appreciated for their versatility and ability to adapt to numerous culinary styles, from raw and simple to cooked and elaborate dishes. Unique due to their medium size and balance of tenderness and meatiness, making them great for a wide range of culinary uses. They are larger than littlenecks but smaller than chowder clams, making them ideal for both raw and cooked preparations, such as grilling, baking, or eating raw on the half-shell. Their flavor and size provide a satisfying bite that works well in diverse dishes.
Top Necks
Medium-sized, hard-shell clams known for their sweet flavor and tender texture, perfect for steaming, baking, or enjoying raw on the half-shell. Topneck clams are a popular choice for many dishes due to their size and flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in seafood cuisine. Topneck clams are unique because they offer a balanced size, larger than littlenecks but smaller than chowder clams, providing enough meat for substantial dishes while maintaining tenderness. This makes them great for various cooking methods such as steaming, grilling, and baking, where their robust flavor and adaptable texture shine in seafood dishes and pasta preparations alike.
Prized for their medium size and rich flavor, perfect for a variety of culinary creations. Middleneck clams are appreciated for their balance of size, flavor, and texture, making them a favorite in many seafood recipes. Middleneck clams are unique because they strike a balance between size and tenderness, smaller than topnecks but larger than littlenecks. This makes them versatile for both raw and cooked preparations, including steaming, pasta dishes, and chowders, where their sweet flavor and tender texture are appreciated.
Littlenecks
Small, sweet, and tender; perfect for steaming, grilling, or adding to your favorite seafood dishes. Littleneck clams are a versatile and prized ingredient in many seafood dishes, valued for their sweet flavor and tender meat. Littleneck clams are unique due to their small size and delicate flavor, perfect for raw consumption on the half-shell or lightly cooked in dishes like pasta, steamed clams, and seafood salads. Their tender texture and sweet, briny taste distinguish them as a prized choice for seafood enthusiasts.