What is the Difference Between Scallops and Clams

Scallops and clams are both shellfish with two shells. Both are bivalve mollusks. They are edible, and people around the world cook them as delicacies.  However, scallops and clams are not the same.

What is the difference between scallops and clams? Clams have smooth, oval or round shells, while scallops have fan-shaped, ridged shells.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Scallops  
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Clams
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Scallops and Clams
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Scallops and Clams
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Scallops and Clams
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Scallops, Clams

What are Scallops

Scallops are a type of bivalve mollusc, similar to oysters. They have a white, fleshy inner body surrounded by two shells. This inner body is round and tender when cooked properly and has a touch of saltiness and sweetness. They have a delicate taste and texture and need very little flavour or fat. It’s important not to overcook scallops, which makes them rubbery. Scallops only take a few minutes to cook and must be served immediately. The best way to cook them is in a hot pan on the stovetop.

There are two major types of scallops: small Bay scallops and large sea scallops. Bay scallops are about the size of a dime and more tender, while sea scallops are larger and grow as big as two inches. The most common type is bay scallops.

What are Clams

Clams are a type of shellfish that live in both saltwater and freshwater. They have two hard shells of equal size, which are connected by strong muscles, and a soft body inside. Clams spend most of their lives buried in sand or mud on the sea floor or riverbeds, using their strong foot to dig and move around.

Unlike oysters and mussels, clams do not attach themselves to rocks or other surfaces. They also don’t float near the surface like scallops. Clams are filter feeders. This means they get their food by filtering water through their shells to catch tiny particles. Some types have round or oval shells, while some, like razor clams, have long, narrow shells that look like old-fashioned straight razors.

In cooking, clams have a slightly briny or salty flavor. They are popular in many dishes like clam chowder or steamed clams.

Similarities Between Scallops and Clams

1. Both are bivalve mollusks.
2. They have soft bodies protected by hard, external shells.
3. Both live in marine environments, mainly on or near the sea floor.
4. They are filter feeders, taking in water to extract food particles.
5. Both are edible and commonly used in cooking around the world.

Difference Between Scallops and Clams

Definition

• Scallops are soft, sweet-tasting shellfish with fan-shaped shells that can swim by snapping their shells open and shut, whereas clams are shellfish with oval or round shells that live buried in sand or mud and have a mild, slightly salty flavor.

Shell Shape and Texture

• Clams have smooth, oval or round shells, while scallops have fan-shaped, ridged shells.

Habitat

• Clams live buried in the sea floor or riverbeds, whereas scallops usually live on the sea floor but not buried, and they can move around.

Taste and Texture

• Clams have a chewier texture and a slightly briny (salty) flavor, whereas scallops are tender and sweet with a delicate texture.

Culinary Use

• Clams are often used in soups (like clam chowder), steamed dishes, or pasta, while scallops are usually seared or grilled and served as a main dish.

Shell Color

• Clam shells are usually pale and plain, while scallop shells can be more colorful and patterned.

FAQ: Scallops and Clams

1. Is a scallop the same as a clam?

No, a scallop is not the same as a clam. They are both shellfish, but they look different, live differently, and have different tastes and textures.

2. Do scallops taste like clams?

No, scallops do not taste like clams. Clams have a slightly briny (salty) flavor, whereas scallops have a more delicate and sweeter flavor.

3. Are scallops made from clams?

No, scallops are not made from clams. They are two different types of shellfish, even though they both have two shells and live in the ocean.

4. What’s the difference between scallops and oysters?

Scallops have fan-shaped shells and can swim, while oysters have rough, uneven shells and stay attached to rocks. Scallops taste sweet and tender, whereas oysters have a briny, salty flavor and are often eaten raw.

5. Why can I eat scallops but not oysters?

You might be able to eat scallops but not oysters because they affect your body differently. Some people are allergic to oysters but not to other shellfish like scallops. Also, oysters are often eaten raw, which can cause stomach issues or trigger reactions.

Reference:

1. “Clam.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Scallop.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Scallops Seafood” (CC0) via Needpix

2. “Close-up of Fresh Clams” (CC0) via Pexels