TIPS

Keeping Your Shellfish Fresh

It is essential that you are preparing and consuming fresh shellfish.  Massachusetts shellfish farmers pride themselves on the quality and freshness of the shellfish they produce.

We recommend you follow these guidelines provided by the US Food and Drug Administration

How to Shuck

While many recipes don’t require you to shuck (open) your shellfish, you may find that you want to open your own shellfish at some point.  While it’s hard work with an element of danger (knives are involved, after all), it’s also wonderful to open up a couple dozen shellfish for friends and family!

Different shellfish, of course, require different approaches.

Oysters
Instructions provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, including both side and hinge entry.

Quahogs (Hardshell clams, Littlenecks, Cherrystones)
(Need good link)

Soft-shelled Clams & Surf Clams (Steamers)
(Need good link)

Bay Scallops
(Need good link)