Quahog

Northeast Atlantic distribution

Quahog is a clam species, Arctica islandica, a mollusk commercially harvested on both coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean. "Quahog" is more the New England term; it is called a "hard-shelled clam" in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. By either name, it is a slow-growing species, although not overfished; commercial fisheries are subject to Vessel Monitoring System tracking. While individuals over 200 years old have been found, growth slows after 20 years. Even with the long history, the First Annual Cape Cod Quahog Day will take place in 2009.

Quahog in shell

In ocean waters, they are taken by dredging from the seafloor, although quahogs are also harvested by hand rakes in shallow coastal waters; the latter is a recreational fishery in New England. Ocean dredges, usually called New Bedford style, are hydraulic, using water jets to separate the shells from the ocean floor. They have a cutting bar which rides above the seafloor, pushing objects into the collecting bag. Arrangements of metal rings and chains keep rocks from being pulled into the bag.

Fresh quahogs have an excellent flavor, but freshness is essential unless they are promptly frozen. They will, however, keep well for a week after harvesting, but need to be rinsed in cold water, and then refrigerated and kept on their sides. Discard any that stay open; they are dead. They can be eaten raw on the half shell, but are unpleasantly tough when steamed or fried, they are used in a variety of clam dishes, but aficionados all have a special recipe for baked, stuffed quahog. Chopped, they work well in chowders, sauces, and clam cakes.

To speak of "opening" a quahog marks one as a novice, for whom the task will be a challenge. The proper term is "shucking". Traditionally, it is easiest to shuck a quahog when it has been chilled for several hours. While purists are shocked by the idea, very brief microwaving will also relax the muscle, although it may toughen it slightly. Unless one is very experienced, or enjoys cut hands, a specific clam knife is appropriate. Slide the blade along the inside of one shell, which will cut one side of the two adductor muscles. Open the shell and release the meat by cutting the other side.