What To Know
- In this blog post, we will discuss the best clam for New England clam chowder and provide some tips on how to choose the freshest clams.
- The best clam for New England clam chowder is the quahog clam.
- They are a good choice for clam chowder if you want a clam with a more unique flavor.
New England clam chowder is a classic American dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The key to a great clam chowder is using the right type of clams. In this blog post, we will discuss the best clam for New England clam chowder and provide some tips on how to choose the freshest clams.
What Makes a Good Clam for Clam Chowder?
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best clam for New England clam chowder:
- Flavor: The clams should have a sweet and briny flavor.
- Texture: The clams should be firm and chewy.
- Size: The clams should be small enough to fit in a spoon.
The Best Clam for New England Clam Chowder
The best clam for New England clam chowder is the quahog clam. Quahog clams are also known as hard clams or cherrystone clams. They have a sweet and briny flavor and a firm texture. Quahog clams are also relatively easy to find and clean.
Other Good Clams for Clam Chowder
If you cannot find quahog clams, there are a few other good clams that you can use for New England clam chowder:
- Littleneck clams: Littleneck clams are smaller than quahog clams, but they have a similar flavor and texture.
- Manila clams: Manila clams are a type of Asian clam that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. They have a slightly milder flavor than quahog clams, but they are still a good choice for clam chowder.
- Razor clams: Razor clams are a long, thin clam that has a sweet and briny flavor. They are a good choice for clam chowder if you want a clam with a more unique flavor.
How to Choose the Freshest Clams
When choosing clams for New England clam chowder, it is important to choose the freshest clams possible. Here are a few tips:
- Look for clams that are alive. Live clams will have their shells closed tightly. If a clam is open, tap it gently on the counter. If the clam closes its shell, it is still alive.
- Smell the clams. Fresh clams should have a briny smell. If the clams smell fishy or sour, they are not fresh and should not be eaten.
- Inspect the shells. The shells of fresh clams should be smooth and free of cracks or chips. If the shells are damaged, the clam may be dead or injured and should not be eaten.
How to Clean Clams
Before cooking clams, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Here are the steps on how to clean clams:
1. Rinse the clams under cold water.
2. Use a scrub brush to remove any dirt or debris from the shells.
3. Remove the beards from the clams. The beards are the small, tough fibers that attach the clam to its shell.
4. Rinse the clams again under cold water.
Key Points
Choosing the right clam is essential for making a great New England clam chowder. By following the tips in this blog post, you can choose the freshest and most flavorful clams for your chowder.
Questions You May Have
Q: What is the difference between a quahog clam and a littleneck clam?
A: Quahog clams are larger than littleneck clams and have a sweeter and brinier flavor. Littleneck clams have a milder flavor and are more tender.
Q: Can I use frozen clams for New England clam chowder?
A: Yes, you can use frozen clams for New England clam chowder. However, fresh clams will always produce the best flavor.
Q: How long will New England clam chowder last in the refrigerator?
A: New England clam chowder will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
