Are clams safe to eat?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question, “Are clams safe to eat?”. We will discuss the potential health risks and benefits of eating clams. We will also look at the safest ways to pick, store and eat clams.
Are clams safe to eat?
Yes, clams are generally safe to eat. There are certain food-borne illnesses associated with eating clams. However, you can avoid getting sick if you follow the proper cleaning, storage, and cooking instructions.
If you are prone to shell-fish allergies, you must stay away from clams. Clams can be eaten raw, partially cooked, or fully cooked. Depending on the variety and cooking method, their flavor can range from sweet to saline, from subtle to delicate.
What are the risks of eating clams?
Food-borne illness and shellfish allergies are the main risks of eating clams.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that can make some people sick or perhaps lead to death if they consume raw clams. Vibrio vulnificus is present in clams from tropical waters. The number of bacteria present in clams is highest during the hot weather season of April through October.
Eating undercooked or raw clams can make you sick. The Vibrio vulnificus microbes are eliminated and there is no chance of infection if the clams are completely cooked.
The bacteria are not destroyed by eating raw clams with spicy sauce or by consuming alcohol. Infection can result when cuts, burns, or sores come into contact with Vibrio vulnificus-infected seawater as well.
If you have liver illness, cancer, diabetes, or an immunological condition you should avoid eating partially cooked or raw clams. Undercooked or uncooked clams should also be avoided by young kids, pregnant women, and the elderly.
What are the health benefits of eating clams?
Clams have a low-calorie count and are high in lean protein, good fats, and minerals. This makes them good weight-loss foods. Protein-rich foods make you feel fuller for longer, which might help you shed or maintain weight by preventing you from overeating.
Clams are high in omega-3 fats and B Vitamins, both of which may help with heart health. Taking omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease in several studies.
Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin B12, help the brain, immune system and heart stay in good shape.
How to pick fresh clams?
Before you buy clams, give them a sniff. If they don’t smell like the sea, they’re probably bad already, and you shouldn’t buy them. Make careful to inform the vendor that the clams are bad so that an unknowing shopper does not buy them.
A basic factor for determining whether clams are fresh is whether they are closed or open. Clams should be partly open, and the shells must close rapidly if you tap them. The clam is dead if their shells are shut or do not shut when you tap on them. That’s when it’s time to throw them away.
If you want to double-check, tossing the clams in a dish of water is another way to see if they’re dead. Clams that float in the water are dead. Throw away any dead clams.
All clams with broken shells should be discarded.
How to store clams safely?
If you keep fresh clams in the fridge, they will last 7-10 days. Shelled clams and chilled clams can both be kept in the fridge for four to five days. Any type of clam, whether fresh, shelled, or even cooked, can be frozen for 3 – 6 months. If you don’t expect to use your clams in a week or so of purchasing them, keep them frozen.
Place the clams in a basin with a moist cloth covering them. Never soak the clams in freshwater. It not only destroys the clam, but it also has a negative impact on its flavor.
How to cook clams safely?
Here’s how you can safely cook clams.
Cooking clams in the shells
Cook: Cook live clams in boiling water. Cook for 3 – 5 minutes after the shells have opened. Boil or steam clams in small pots. Cooking too many clams in one pot may result in the center ones not being cooked properly. Any clams that do not open while cooking should be discarded.
Steam: In a steamer that has already been heated, steam live oysters for 4 – 9 minutes.
Cooking clams without the shells
Boiling: Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the edges curl.
Frying: At 375° F, fry for about 3 minutes in oil.
Broiling: 3 minutes under the broiler, 3 inches from the heat source.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 450°F and bake for 10 minutes.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question, “Are clams safe to eat?”. We discussed the potential health risks and benefits of eating clams. We also looked at the safest ways to pick, store and eat clams.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.