Littleneck clams are one of our favorite Maine mollusks! The coast of Maine is home to a variety of tasty seafood options, from crustaceans to mollusks. But what is does the phrase “littleneck clam” mean?
About hard shell clams
Referred to by different names depending on their size, the littleneck is one size of the clam species Mercenaria mercenaria. Found in muddy, sandy areas on the Atlantic floor, these clams have a hard shell and includes a few names you may have heard before. Quahogs, topnecks and countnecks are some of the other common sizes of this species. The larger these creatures get, the tougher and chewier their texture becomes, making them better for using in chowders and for stuffed clams.
About littleneck clams
Littleneck is the name given to the smallest of these hard clams. They are perfect for grilling, steaming and eating raw. One pound of these mollusks typically yields seven to 10 clams. Pair them with lemon or cocktail sauce for an appetizer or steam them with potatoes and onions for a delectable fall meal. View the recipe here.
Visit us online or call us at 1-800-967-4268 and order a batch of littleneck clams today! Looking for a larger size clam for your next clambake? Softshell steamer clams are the perfect size! Or, make dinner easy as the weather grows cool and order our already prepared clam chowder.
