Clams can be a healthy and tasty component of the meal. Cleaning them removes sand, salt and other possible impurities and is also important for food safety. Find out how to select the best clams, soak them and clean them externally to prepare them for cooking.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Selecting the Clams
Step 1. Knock on the clams that have open shells
You can gently tap them with your finger, spoon, or against the counter. Throw away the clams that don't close when you tap them on the shell because it means they are dead so it's best not to eat them.
Step 2. Throw away any clams that have cracked, cracked, or otherwise damaged shells
The broken shells can let bacteria enter the clams which therefore should not be eaten for safety. Also, this is another sign that the clam is dead.
Step 3. Place the clams in a bowl full of water
Discard any that float because it means they are dead. Toxins from dead clams can even resist cooking and cause food poisoning.
Part 2 of 2: Purge the Clams
Step 1. Place the clams in a bowl and submerge them with water
You can use fresh or salt water. The method for bleeding them varies according to the type of water you decide to use. Salt water is generally considered the most suitable, since it reproduces the natural habitat of clams.
- If you decide to drain the clams in salted water, dissolve 100 g of salt in 4 liters of water. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then take them out of the water by hand. Prepare another 4 liters of salted water and soak them again. This process should be repeated 1 or 2 more times.
- If you decide to use fresh water, put the clams in a bowl and submerge them with cold water (you can use tap water). Leave them to soak for 20 to 60 minutes, the clams will naturally expel the salt, sand and any impurities.
Step 2. Add 2 tablespoons of cornmeal to the soak water
This is a popular trick among anglers that causes clams to eject sand faster. Cornmeal may even slightly alter their taste, making them slightly sweeter.
Step 3. Remove the clams from the water manually
The sand and impurities will have settled on the bottom of the container, so do not drain them from the water using a sieve. Pick them by hand to prevent impurities from contaminating them again.
Step 4. Scrub the clams with a stiff bristled brush
Rinse them under running water after brushing the shell. This step is to remove the sand and impurities on the outside of the shell.
Advice
Clams are generally kept on ice to ensure they stay fresh. If you are unsure whether they are fresh, ask a knowledgeable person for help
Warnings
- Discard clams that did not open during cooking as they may be dead and infected with bacteria. Throw them away so as not to take unnecessary health risks.
- Experts recommend cooking clams immediately after cleaning them to avoid potential health risks.
