Today we’d like to talk to you about a shellfish loved and sought after by seafood lovers and foodies alike: the Great Venus clams.
They have a unique flavor and are the stars of many delicious dishes.
That’s exactly why we’ve created this handy guide on how to clean them properly, to bring out their best qualities and preserve their natural flavor!
But first, let’s take a look at what Great Venus clams are and how to tell them apart from other mollusks.
Great Venus clams: how to recognize them
So, what exactly are Great Venus clams?
They resemble clams but are larger and have a different coloring: the outer shell is light brown, while the inner shell has a ceramic-like color. The flesh also looks similar to that of a clam but tends to be bigger.
These mollusks are commonly found in our seas, especially in the Mediterranean basin. They dwell on sandy sea bottoms (typically on small sand dunes shaped by the tide) and are not buried too deep, usually no more than 30 centimeters and at least 10 kilometers from the coast.
Great Venus clams feed by filtering water and absorbing the nutrients they need — they’re considered the cleaners of the sea, and that’s exactly why it’s important to clean and open them properly before enjoying this wonderful seafood.
How to open and clean Great Venus clams
Before opening Great Venus clams, carefully check for any broken or open shells, if you find any, discard them. Then, fill a bowl with cold water and coarse salt, and let them soak for at least a couple of hours.
If you see any sand residue on the shells, scrub them well to prevent it from ruining the flavor of your dish.
Here’s a tip: before opening them, properly protect your hands to avoid slipping with the knife and accidentally cutting yourself, always handle them with care.
Once you’re ready, the process is similar to opening oysters. Use a small knife to gently insert into the gap between the two shells and twist to loosen the muscle that holds them shut.
After opening, rinse them thoroughly and remove any grayish membrane that may cover the flesh. Once these steps are done, your Great Venus clams are ready to be enjoyed, either cooked or raw.
If you prefer to eat them raw, squeeze a few drops of lemon juice and add a touch of pepper to fully enjoy their delicious flavor.
If you prefer to enjoy them cooked, simply remove the flesh from the shell and sauté them in a pan for a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as these mollusks can become tough and rubbery, but don’t undercook them either, as that could leave harmful bacteria that pose a risk to your health.
Once properly cooked, you can enjoy them on their own or add them to pasta, rice, or salads.
Nutritional values of Great Venus clams
Great Venus clams have important health benefits for the body, as long as they’re not eaten in excess and are cooked correctly: let’s take a closer look.
If you’re following a weight-loss diet, these shellfish can be easily included in your meals: they’re low in fat and high in protein.
In addition, Great Venus clams contain iron, calcium, vitamins and sodium, but this doesn’t mean they should be consumed during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a delicate and brief period and the many bacteria that mollusks retain while filtering water could be potentially harmful to both the expectant mother and the baby.
The truly important thing to keep in mind when it comes to shellfish is their origin. Paying close attention to where Great Venus clams come from is essential before purchasing, as it guarantees they’re fresh and of the highest quality.
In our case, we never overlook these details, and our shellfish are exceptionally delicious and of outstanding quality.
What are you waiting for? Contact us for more information, wee’re here for you!
