The Absolute Best Way To Store Clams & Keep Them Fresh

Clams are a tasty and nutritious seafood option, packed with protein and essential nutrients. At tauhuichiban, we understand the importance of keeping your clams fresh until you're ready to cook them. That's why we're sharing the best way to store clams so you can enjoy their full flavor whenever you want.

Best Way to Store Clams: Fridge or Freezer?

Keeping Clams Cool in the Fridge

When you bring home those fresh, tasty clams from the market, you want to keep them as happy as a clam at high tide! The best place for them is in your fridge. Think of your fridge as a cozy beach cave where clams can chill out until you're ready to cook them. Just make sure they're not too crowded—give them some space so air can flow around each one. Cover them with a damp towel, like a cool sea breeze, and store them in the coldest part of your fridge. This keeps them fresh for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing Clams for Later Feasts

If you're planning ahead and want to save those clams for a special day, freezing is like putting them into a deep sleep until you need them. But remember, don't freeze clams in their shells; it's like trying to sleep with your shoes on—not comfy! Instead, shuck those clams first (that means opening their shells), then store the meat with some of their juice in salt water. They can snooze away in your freezer for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.

How to Clean and Inspect Clams Before Cooking

Now that you've got your clams all settled in the fridge, it's time for the big reveal! Before you start cooking those delicious clam dishes, you need to give them a good check-up. Think of it like a beach trip—you wouldn't go swimming without checking for any jellyfish or sharp rocks, right? It's the same with clams! You want to make sure they're healthy and ready to be cooked.

First, take a peek at those shells. If you see any that are open or have cracks in them, toss them out. That means they're not happy clams anymore and might not be good for eating. Then, give each clam a little tap with your finger. If it closes tight, that's a good sign! It's like checking if a friend is awake. If it stays open, it's time to say goodbye to that clam. Now, it's time to give those clams a good scrub. Think of it like washing your hands before dinner. Grab a bowl of fresh water and give them a gentle scrub to get rid of any grit or sand. You can also soak them in a bowl of salted water for a few minutes to help them purge any sand they might have eaten. It's like giving them a little beach bath!

Remember, you want to make sure your clams are clean and healthy before you cook them. It's like making sure your house is clean before having guests over. You wouldn't want to serve your guests food that's covered in dirt, would you? So, give those clams a good inspection and a scrub, and you'll be ready to cook up a delicious meal!

Preparing and Cooking Clams for Maximum Freshness

Alright, you've got your clams all cleaned and ready to go! Now comes the fun part—cooking! First things first, give them another quick check. Remember how we tapped them earlier? Do that one more time, just to be sure they're still alive and kicking (well, maybe not literally kicking!). If a clam's shell is open and doesn't close when you tap it, it's best to toss it out. Now, for cooking, you've got options! Steaming clams is a classic—it's like giving them a sauna, which helps them open up and release their delicious juices. You can also add them to pasta, soups, or chowders. Just remember, clams cook pretty quickly, so keep an eye on them. You want them tender and juicy, not tough and rubbery.

Final Thought

By following these simple steps on how to store, clean, and cook clams, you can ensure that each meal is as fresh and delicious as possible. Remember to always inspect your clams before cooking and choose the right storage method based on when you plan to use them. Enjoy your seafood feast!