Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/181770
37 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2013 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 MAY 2011 FINE FOOD OF THE WEEK Happy as a clam Clams There's nothing like a steaming plate of spaghetti vongole by the sea to remind us that there are many worse places to live than Malta. Though clams (vongole) are available throughout the year, they have a summery feeling with rich flavours of the sea. Officially known as bivalves, clams are invertabrates enclosed between two shells, similar to mussels, cockles, oysters and scallops. With regards to the concept of edible clams, most species of bivalves are at least potentially edible. However some are too small to be useful, and not all species are considered palatable. Though most edible bivalves have a roughly oval shape there are a few that differ, like the Pacific razor clam that has an elongated, parallel-sided shell, a shape similar to an old-fashioned straight razor. Buying clams Clams, like all other mulloscs, should be sold and cooked live. Look for shells that are smooth, shiny and shut – or that shut quickly when tapped. When shellfish die, they decompose quickly and will not be safe to eat, even after a very short period of time. Shellfish is best eaten as fresh as possible, and certainly on the day of purchase, and stored in the refrigerator until needed. If you are shucking your own, the shells will be easier to open if you freeze them for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from freezer and let sit a few minutes before attacking the shells. As they warm up, the muscles relax and the shells will open slightly so you can get your clam knife in. Remember to shuck over a bowl to save all that wonderful juice known as clam liquor. Clams can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, baked or fried, the method of preparation depends partly on the size and species of the clam. Whole clams are finished cooking when the shell opens. If the shell does not open after cooking, discard the clam. Clams are often mixed into seafood dishes, or are eaten together with pasta. In India clams are used to cook curries and side dishes, where whole clams are prepared in a green coconut masala, and are RECIPE OF THE WEEK Spaghetti marinara Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • 100gmussels 100goctopus 80gprawns 50gclams 2razorclams 1clovegarlic Dashwhitewine Dashtomatosauce Cherrytomatoes Handfulfreshbasil Extravirginoliveoil Saltandpepper Method 1. Chop the garlic and the basil and pan fry. 2. Add the mussels, prawns, clams, octopus, razor shells and cherry tomatoes. 3. When these are well cooked, add a dash of white wine and the tomato sauce. 4. Boil the spaghetti until al dente. 5. Add the spaghetti to the sauce and stir. 6. Serve immediately usually eaten with rice. Raw or improperly cooked shellfish can contain harmful viruses and bacteria. Bivalves such as clams and oysters are filter feeders, meaning that water (clean or polluted) passes through them. Toxins in algae ingested by shellfish can accumulate in their flesh and reach levels dangerous to humans. Pregnant women should only eat shellfish that has been thoroughly cooked. Nutritional Value Clams are highly nutritious and a powerful storehouse of many essential nutrients required by the body, especially phosphorus, potassium, protein, vitamin A and iron. In addition, it is low in fat, thus making it suitable for health conscious people. Research has shown clams to have cholesterolreducing properties. Other uses One species of giant clam is commonly used in saltwater aquariums by collectors. In ancient Peru, calms were often depicted in art as the Moche people worshiped the sea and the animals in it. Clams were used as a form of currency in Eastern North America Clam shells were used to make buttons up until the 1930s when depleted clam beds forced manufacturers to find alternate materials. Trivia • InOctober2007,theoldest livingcreaturewascaught offthecoastofIcelandby researchersfromBangor UniversityinWales.The Arcticaislandicaclamwas estimatedtobeatleast405 yearsold. • Clamshavebeenthe inspirationofanumberof metaphors,includingtoclam up,meaningtorefusetotalk asthebehaviourissimilarto thatofaclam,whichcloses quicklywhenthreatened,and happyasaclam,whichisshort forhappyasaclamathigh tide–whichishappybecause itcannotbedugup.