Geoduck
About
A large salt water clam native to the Pacific Northwest. Its name means "dig deep" in Chinook jargon from gwe-duk. It is prized for its exceptionally long neck, which is considered a delicacy, especially in Japanese cuisine. In Chinese it is known as the elephant trunk clam.
Some geoducks weigh up to 15 pounds and is the largest burrowing clam in the Northern hemisphere. They can live for more than 100 years, making them one of the longest living animals in the world. Age is determined by the number of rings on its shell, like other clams.
The neck (siphon) of a geoduck has a sweet flavor and crunchy texture, best served raw or lightly boiled. The rest of the meat is best in stews/soups, and commonly breaded and fried.
Information
Other names: Panope Abrupta, Mirugai, Elephant Trunk Clam
Translations: 蜊, ナミガイの一種, محار, Геодуцк, Panope
Physical Description
Colors: light brown with a slightly darker brown outside
Tasting Notes
Flavors: umami and tastes like the ocean
Mouthfeel: Chewy but not the bad chewy
Food complements: Great civiche or sashimi style with lemon, Salt and chives
Wine complements: Pinot gris especially from new world they tend to have more mineral notes that go great with shellfish
Preparation and Use
Cleaning: blanch for 20 seconds pull place in an icewater bath peel the outer skin from the neck of the clam and then use as desired.
