Scallops are one of the most popular seafood delicacies around the world. They are a favourite of chefs and seafood enthusiasts alike because of their sweet and succulent flavour. When it comes to seafood, it is always best to know what you are getting into, and that includes what live scallops look like. In this article, we are going to take a deep dive into what live scallops look like and everything else you need to know about them.
What are scallops?
Scallops are a type of bivalve mollusc, which means they have two shells that are held together by a hinge. They are found in oceans throughout the world and come in many different sizes and colours. Scallops are prized for their delicate flavour and are commonly used in a variety of dishes, from sushi to pasta.
What do live scallops look like?
Live scallops have a creamy-white shell that is fan-shaped and slightly curved. The shells are made up of two parts that are held together by a hinge. The top shell, or valve, is slightly convex, whereas the bottom valve is flat. The edges of the shell are lined with small spines that help to protect the scallop from predators.
Size and colour of scallops
Scallops can vary in size, with the smallest being around 1cm in diameter and the largest being over 20cm. The size of the scallop often depends on the species and the location where it was found. The larger the scallop, the more muscle meat it will have.
Scallops come in a range of colours, from creamy-white to shades of brown and even orange. The colour of the scallop often reflects its environment, with scallops living on sandy bottoms being pale in colour and those in rocky environments tending to be darker.
Muscles and eyes of scallops
Scallops are unique in that they have a large muscle, called the adductor muscle, that is used to close their shells. This muscle is what makes scallop meat so tasty and desirable, and it is the part of the scallop that is used in cooking. The adductor muscle is located between the two shells and is easily visible when the scallop is opened.
Scallops also have a ring of blue eyes that are located along the edge of their mantle. These eyes are simple in structure but allow the scallop to detect light and motion. The eyes are often a good indicator of a healthy scallop, as cloudy or damaged eyes can indicate poor health.
How are live scallops harvested?
Scallops are harvested using a technique called dredging. This involves dragging a large net along the seabed, which dislodges the scallops from the sand or rocks they are attached to, causing them to fall into the net. Once harvested, the scallops are taken to a processing plant where they are cleaned, shucked, and packaged for distribution.
How are live scallops stored?
Live scallops should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to cook. They should be kept on ice or in the refrigerator, as they are highly perishable. Scallops should also be stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture loss or contamination.
How to tell if a scallop is fresh
Fresh scallops should have a mild, sweet scent and a shiny, firm flesh. They should not have a strong fishy odour or slimy texture. Fresh scallops will also have a slightly translucent appearance and be firm to the touch.
Cooking with live scallops
Scallops are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, searing, and baking. When cooking with scallops, it is essential to avoid overcooking, as this can result in a chewy and rubbery texture. The key to cooking scallops is to sear them quickly over high heat to develop a crispy crust while keeping the centre soft and tender.
Recipes
Here are a few simple recipes to try with live scallops:
- Butter Poached Scallops
- Lemon Garlic Scallops
- Grilled Scallops with Mango Salsa
The benefits of eating live scallops
Scallops are not only a delicious seafood delicacy; they also offer a range of health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding scallops to your diet:
- Low in fat and calories
- High in protein
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, magnesium, and potassium
- May help to reduce inflammation and improve heart health
Conclusion
Scallops are a tasty seafood delicacy that is enjoyed by people all around the world. Knowing what live scallops look like and how to cook them properly is essential to getting the most out of this delicious ingredient. Whether you are a seafood enthusiast or just looking to try something new, scallops are definitely worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are scallops?
- Scallops are a type of bivalve mollusc that are found in oceans throughout the world. They are prized for their delicate flavour and are commonly used in a variety of dishes, from sushi to pasta.
- What do live scallops look like?
- Live scallops have a creamy-white shell that is fan-shaped and slightly curved. The edges of the shell are lined with small spines that help to protect the scallop from predators. They also have a ring of blue eyes that are located along the edge of their mantle.
- How are live scallops harvested?
- Scallops are harvested using a technique called dredging, which involves dragging a large net along the seabed. Once harvested, the scallops are taken to a processing plant where they are cleaned, shucked, and packaged for distribution.
- How are live scallops stored?
- Live scallops should be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to cook. They should be kept on ice or in the refrigerator, as they are highly perishable. Scallops should also be stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture loss or contamination.
- What are the benefits of eating live scallops?
- Scallops are low in fat and calories, high in protein, and a rich source of vitamins and minerals. They may also help to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scallop
[2] https://www.happyseafood.co.uk/Blog/what-are-scallops
[3] https://www.thespruceeats.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-scallops-1300709