Growing Clams

New Englanders have always longed for steamed clams in the summer months, after all, like Haddock, it's a tradition, and a tasty one at that.

But unfortunately in the past, the cost and availability has sometimes prevented you from enjoying them when you wanted them most.

With the advent of successful clam farming, these obstacles have been removed, allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy clams not only in the summer, but year round!

Farming begins with the purchase of almost microscopic clams, called "spat". These young animals are grown in a highly regulated environment until they become about 4 to 6 mm in diameter.

At this time, they are now called "seed", and are then transferred into specially designed bags and placed in their natural environment. The bags prevent them from washing away, and from their natural predators. They will remain within these bags for about 2 months, or until they grow to 12 to 15 mm.

They are then harvested, and placed into another bag in smaller concentrations. The bag allows for greater water flow so the young clams (still referred to as seed), can grow rapidly.

Within the next 9 to 12 months, the clams will grow to marketable sized littlenecks.

Preparing clams for market

After the clams have been brought from the bay bottom, they are removed from the bags and transported to shore in plastic baskets. They are then poured into a machine called a "tumbler", which removes everything but the clams, while washing them at the same time.

The clams are now ready for the grading machine. The device sizes the clams the specific customer needs, and deposits them into the mesh bags you are accustomed to purchasing them in.

Handling * * *

This is the most important step to ensure your customers of the finest Farm Raised Clams available for their money.

Now that the animals are out of their natural environment, it is of utmost importance that they be quickly and carefully transported to their destinations.

Since we pack your clams on demand, there is no "down time" while they are at our facility. They are specially prepared for your order, and therefore readied for transport within hours of their harvest from the water.

By carefully handling them to prevent breakage and expediting them to their destinations at a regulated temperature of 45°F, they arrive in excellent condition within 72 hours. Now when placed in your cooler at the same temperature, you can confidently resell these morsels for your customers to enjoy

Remember, proper education in the handling of clams will improve their quality tremendously, as well as your profits and your customer's enjoyment!