Cleaning clams...Your techniques?

[Homerr]

I just got back from the coast...Got lots of crabs and clams.<br /><br />This is the first time we dug clams. I got the big 'Gaper clams' or Empire clams.<br /><br />I have them in a bucket of salt water to keep them alive so they clean themselves.<br /><br />What is the best way to clean them? I've heard that you can dump some cornmeal in the water to help?<br /><br />I've also read that scissors is all you need to clean them, and toss anything that isn't white?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Cleaning clams...Your techniques?

What are you going to do with them. Cook them,<br />can'm, eat'm raw?. first I would put them in<br />fresh cold water to filter them. I just use a <br />pearing knife to cut them out of the shell if I<br />was eating them raw or canning them. Steam them<br />in the shell if you like them that way.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Cleaning clams...Your techniques?

These clams are big...I want to fry them, or make clam chowder.<br /><br />I'm not a raw sea-food eating person myself!<br /><br />H.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Cleaning clams...Your techniques?

Filter them in clean cold fresh water.<br />steam them in the shell to cook them, with salt.<br />Then add them to your chowder, or fry them if you<br />like in butter or what ever. They will be great!

 

[aspeck]

Re: Cleaning clams...Your techniques?

When I clean clams I generally use a can opener and strainer. First, open the can, pour contents in collander and drain (unless you have plans for the juice, let it go down the drain). Then rinse and use. Works for me.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Cleaning clams...Your techniques?

The oatmeal thing works. We have some clams down here that are inedible "as is", but are pretty good if you let them filter water and oatmeal overnight.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Cleaning clams...Your techniques?

Barefoot Contessa (TV chef) uses flour. I guess it makes them spit up all the sand and it goes to the bottom of the pot. Of course, you need to rinse them well after.