Appearance
Scientific Name
Arctica islandic
Market Forms
Chopped; frozen; IQF; canned; value-added including chowders, bisques and sauces; and, clam juice. Size
Adult ocean quahogs measure from 3 to 6 inches across and weigh an average of one-half pound each. Taste/Texture
Ocean clam meat is pinkish in color.The meat of the ocean clam is firmer in texture than other clams with a somewhat stronger taste. These clams are generally minced, chopped or cut into strips before they are suitable for the table. Seasonality
Year-round. Nutritional Value
54 Calories (100 grams, 3.5 oz.)
8.7% Protein
0.9% Fat
0.14% Omega-3 Substitutability
The ocean quahog has a stronger, richer clam taste and is often used in products which are complemented by this taste, such as a tomato-based recipe.These clams are generally chopped, minced or otherwise value-added. They are excellent for recipes that want to accentuate the clam flavor. Folklore
The ocean quahog is also known as a mahogany clam, mahogany quahog, black quahog and black clam. The ocean quahog is a slower growing clam that matures in twenty to forty years. Some may live as long as 200 years. Commercially packed clams are generally 40 to 100 years old. Harvesting
The vessels used to harvest these sea clams range in size from about 60 feet to 160 feet in length.The ocean quahog’s primary beds are found twenty to thirty miles offshore in depths from 100 to 240 feet. Safety/Quality
Virginia’s waters and products are regulated by federal and state agencies including the FDA, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, insuring that only safe wholesome seafood reaches our customers.
