Fresh Clams
Mercenaria mercenariaMacronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Clams can be steamed, boiled, or baked. They are often used in soups, pasta dishes, or served with garlic and butter.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose clams that are tightly closed and have a fresh ocean smell. Avoid any that are cracked or open.
Store clams in a breathable container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.
Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds
Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.
Support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
"Clams can filter water, improving water quality in their environment."
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Garlic Lemon Steamed Clams
These fresh clams are steamed with garlic and lemon, creating a light and zesty dish that's perfect for a healthy meal.
- 2 pounds of fresh clams
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Rinse the clams under cold water to remove any sand.
- 2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- 3. Add clams, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes until clams open.
- 4. Stir in parsley before serving.
Spicy Clam and Quinoa Bowl
This nutritious bowl combines spicy clams with quinoa and fresh vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- 1 pound fresh clams
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add clams and chili paste, cooking until clams open.
- 3. Stir in bell pepper and spinach until just wilted.
- 4. Serve clams and vegetables over quinoa.
Clam Chowder with Cauliflower
A healthy twist on traditional clam chowder, using cauliflower for creaminess without the calories.
- 2 cups fresh clams, cleaned
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Steam cauliflower until tender, then blend with almond milk until smooth.
- 2. In a pot, sauté onion until translucent, then add clams and vegetable broth.
- 3. Once clams open, stir in cauliflower puree and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 4. Simmer for 10 minutes before serving.
Mediterranean Clam Pasta
Whole grain pasta tossed with fresh clams, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
- 1 pound fresh clams
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- 3. Add clams, cherry tomatoes, and olives, cooking until clams open.
- 4. Toss in cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Clam and Avocado Salad
A refreshing salad featuring fresh clams and creamy avocado, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- 1 pound fresh clams
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Steam clams until they open, then remove from shells and let cool.
- 2. In a bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado, red onion, and clams.
- 3. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 4. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Clam Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Healthy tacos filled with fresh clams and a crunchy cabbage slaw for a delightful twist on taco night.
- 1 pound fresh clams
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cilantro for garnish
- 1. Steam clams until they open, then remove from shells.
- 2. In a bowl, mix cabbage, carrot, lime juice, and olive oil to make slaw.
- 3. Warm tortillas and fill with clams and slaw.
- 4. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Clam and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A quick stir-fry featuring fresh clams and a variety of colorful vegetables, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
- 1 pound fresh clams
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Add clams and vegetables, stirring until clams open and vegetables are tender.
- 3. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to combine.
- 4. Serve hot over brown rice or quinoa.
Clam and Sweet Potato Cakes
These savory cakes combine fresh clams and sweet potatoes for a nutritious and delicious meal option.
- 1 pound fresh clams, cooked and chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, mix chopped clams, mashed sweet potato, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form mixture into patties and pan-fry in a little olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
- 3. Serve with a side salad or yogurt dip.
Clam Risotto with Peas
A creamy risotto made with fresh clams and sweet peas, offering a healthy and satisfying dish.
- 1 pound fresh clams
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1. In a pot, heat broth and keep warm.
- 2. In a separate pan, sauté onion until translucent, then add Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes.
- 3. Slowly add broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed.
- 4. Once rice is creamy, stir in clams, peas, and parmesan cheese before serving.
Clam and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of clams, spinach, and quinoa for a nutritious and vibrant meal.
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 pound fresh clams, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups spinach, wilted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. In a bowl, mix clams, quinoa, spinach, and feta cheese.
- 3. Stuff bell pepper halves with the mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
- 4. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are fresh clams safe to eat raw?
Fresh clams can be eaten raw, but they must be sourced from clean waters to avoid contamination.
How do you know if clams are fresh?
Fresh clams should be tightly closed or close when tapped. If they remain open, they are dead and should not be consumed.
What is the best way to cook clams?
Clams can be steamed, boiled, or grilled. Cooking them until they open ensures they are safe to eat.
How long do fresh clams last in the fridge?
Fresh clams should be consumed within 1-2 days of purchase and stored in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze fresh clams?
Yes, fresh clams can be frozen, but it is recommended to cook them first for the best texture.
What nutrients are in fresh clams?
Fresh clams are high in protein, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Do clams have a lot of cholesterol?
Clams do contain cholesterol, but they are low in saturated fat, making them a heart-healthy choice.
How can I clean fresh clams?
Soak clams in cold water for 20 minutes, then scrub the shells to remove any sand or debris.