VARIEGATED SCALLOP

Organoleptic characteristics of the Variegated Scallop

The shell of the Variegated Scallop is round, symmetrical and sturdy, with a central umbo from which numerous fan-like striations radiate. The mollusk has a hatchet-shaped foot, which becomes visible when it moves along the seabed. Normally, it remains sealed within its two valves. Some notable physical traits include:

1. Two equal-sized muscle scars (from the adductor muscles);
2. A curved hinge featuring small teeth;
3. A finely scalloped inner margin.

There’s no pallial sinus. In terms of color, the shell is a reddish-brown with white or beige undertones. They can grow up to 7–8 cm in size.

Habitat, Distribution and Curiosities

Variegated Scallop thrive on muddy, sandy, or pebbly sea bottoms, where they are harvested using various techniques (such as rakes, dredges and trawl nets). Much like clams, they tend to form dense colonies along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. One remarkable trait is their ability to adapt to low-oxygen environments. Depending on the region, they go by several names:

1. Palorda or cozze ‘e schiave in Campania;
2. Nuce or cozze scarpare in Puglia;
3. Cuppa liscia in Sicily.

In French and German, they are referred to as “amande de mer”.

Main Species of Variegated Scallop

It isn’t always easy to distinguish between the various species of Variegated Scallop. Over the years, there have been several debates about how to tell apart, for instance, the Bimaculata from the Insubrica. Today, classification standards have been established based on factors like shell shape, size, length ratios, and the position and structure of the hinge. That’s why we have:

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