Once theyre cooked, purple varnish clams can be eaten as is or used in a variety of recipes. Clams are one of my favorite foods. For example I liked the ones from Sand Lake much more than the ones from Pacific City even though they are right next to each other. But those in the know understand that table quality clams are generally considered best in early summer, just prior to the July/August spawning. (or maybe as bait). Add the cubed potatoes, a tsp of salt and bring to a simmer, reduce heat to lowest temperature and cover. But were here to talk more about consuming clams than their confusing nomenclature. It is oval in shape and is relatively flat with a prominent ligament near the hinge. Nice limit of clams! The harvest of these bivalves is permitted in some parts of the world, where they are regarded as delicacies. Did the Portland (OR) newspaper publish a story about how the bananas were edible? Sand crabs, mole crabs, kelp worms and sand worms: No limit. Bay Clams (Butter, littleneck, gaper and heart cockle): 20 in aggregate, only 12 may be gapers. Emily entered our dish, "Stuffed Clams' and won the Grand Prize. Varnish clams are small, round, and have a soft, chewy texture. To dig purple varnish clams, you will need a shovel and a bucket. Clamming Exploriences last approximately one to two hours. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. Soak the clams for 30 minutes. Softshell clams are often best in chowders or as fritters. , a tasty, mild clam often used in chowders or served as fritters. If you find small crabs inside, just discard them. Add 1 cup of kosher salt and 1/3 cup of cornmeal to the water, then stir it around a bit. Purple varnish clams can be found in a variety of bays and estuaries in Oregon, including Sand Lake, Siletz Bay, Alsea Bay, Siuslaw River estuary, and Coos Bay. But rest assured, gentle reader, that, in this case, the invasive species in question is simply just the wrong creature in the wrong place. Varnish clams have an oval shaped shell that is thin, flat, and up to 3 inches long. I was thinking about using those purple varnish clams. Savoury clams are an invasive species in Washington state, but there is a market for them. The recipes listed in Oregon's Razor Clams or Oregon's Bay Clams were contributed by clam digging enthusiasts and are cause for celebration when dinning with family and friends. How to dig purple varnish clams? Siuslaw! Thinner and more delicate, in both appearance and flavor, than its West Coast counterpart, these slim, mottled brown specimens grace fine-dining tables and tapas restaurants, often prepared extremely simplysteamed, grilled, or a la plancha (seared on a griddle), theyre typically adorned with a light sauce to avoid overwhelming their subtle sweetness. Each clammer is allowed a limit of 72 Purple Varnish clams to take home. They have a show similar to softshell clams. GaryP1958. Add the clams and cook until they just open (usually at the most a minute or two) once the water reaches a simmer. Of course, in certain quarters of the Northeast (and some minds), its soft-shell clams that cant be beat, whether served steamed with drawn butter on the side or fried, plump belly and all. Region: East Coast.Size: Larger than littleneck, about two and a half inches wide.Best Use: Grilled, stuffed and broiled, or served raw on the half-shell. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Do Mussels Poop? Cook for 25 minutes. Purple Varnish Clams have a good strong clam flavor and tender flesh, if not overcooked. clams 2 Tbsp. The FDA bans importation of blood clams from Southeast Asia, as their low-oxygen environments can make them carriers of diseases like hepatitis and typhoid. Purple varnish clams need to be purged before theyre cooked. Photo: ODFW ODFW reports shows where to crab, clam in Tillamook Bay A report from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shows the best places for crabbing and clamming in Tillamook Bay. Head to the tidal flats or sandy stretches of the bays in. Step 1 Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Varnish clams are typically harvested by hand, but they can be harvested using a clam harvester. live about 6 to 8 inches down and can be found in large numbers year-round with minimal effort in the mud and pebbles of Oregon bays. Contact 503-947-6042 orclick here. In the spring and summer months, purple varnish clams can be found in the tidal flats along the Pacific coast. 1 tomato, sliced thin 1 c. white wine Pour olive oil into a large pot over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, beat the egg, milk and reserved clam juice; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Pinterest. PREP TIME: 30 minutes COOK TIME: 20 minutes YIELD: 2 bowls TOTAL THC/CBD: Depends on the potency of the products used STATUS: a bowl of noods FROM THE PANTRY: Cannabis-infused soy sauce, cannabis infused sesame oil STRAIN RECOMMENDATION: Larrycake by Freddys Fuego (Gelato x Wedding Cake), Your email address will not be published. With those tools on hand, one of your best bets will be to hunt for softshell clams, a common species of bay clam that hunker about 12 to 18 inches down below the surface of the sand. those make great chowder. Source: www.youtube.com. 3. Once you find the clam, rinse it off, put it in your bucket and fill in your hole. Copyright 2023 Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Squid: No Limit. To clean the clam bodies, gently squeeze the clam bodies with your thumb and index finger to force the visceral material out of the clam's body. Each species of clams is subject to legal harvest methods, and each species is permitted to keep no more than 15 razor clams per day for purple varnish clams and no more than 72 clams per day for razor clams. Purple varnish clams: Daily limit of 72. Fishermen who harvest rock scallops will be required to report their catches to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife beginning in 2013. Only show this user . This is true even of the types of clams that arent commonly eaten, whether because they are endangered, like the giant clam; not worth the work, as with the horse clams high ratio of tough skin to edible meat; or only circumstantially inedible, because of seasonal or geographic diseases, like butter clams, which hold toxins for many years. Eat them straight from the shell or add to chowders and pastas. Once the clam is loosened, lift it out of the sand and place it in your bucket. Largely concentrated along the ocean beaches of Clatsop County, razor clams can dig down deep and fast. Discard the clam shells or set them aside for use in the recipe for stuffed clams. You are not permitted to assist a clamming partner, which is an awful rule. To find purple varnish clams, first look for a clam bed in an intertidal zone. He writes about the outdoors, travel, business, the environment and many other areas from his home in Lake Oswego, where he lives with his wife, two children and black Lab. They have a slightly purple tint on the outside of their shells which varies mostly dependent on the lighting however the insides of the shells are quite purple. The harvest regulations are necessary to protect the population of purple varnish clams in Oregons bays and estuaries. If you take your clamming a little more seriously, youve probably packed your shovel and a dedicated clamming bucket. Salem, OR 97302 finds you with little more than a blanket and a beach bag, theres still a perfect style of clamming for you. To arrange your ramen situation: divide the cooked noodles into the two large ramen bowls, add five marinated shitakes to each bowl, add 7 cooked clams to each bowl, with 2 oz. Clamming Explorience attendees should meet at the covered pavilion located at the west end of SW 51st St in the Historic Taft neighborhood. Oregon has a way of reeling you in. It is native to the western coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California. Then, using a small shovel or spade, dig around until you find a clam. During this time, they will remove any sand that has been deposited inside their shells. For more flavor, look for steamers with darker shells. They can also be steamed open in white wine. Purple clams, in contrast to Manila clams, are a little creamy and tender. If youre on a dedicated mission to find clams on the Coast, its hard to beat an outing for. JavaScript is disabled. If the sand is still present, gently scrub the Clams body with a small brush. Head to the tidal flats or sandy stretches of the bays in Nehalem, Tillamook or Waldport and simply start digging with your hands. It is necessary to soak the clams in seawater for 24 hours before removing the sand from the inside of them after they have been dug. The Purple Varnish Clam, otherwise known as the Dark Mahogany Clam or Savory Clam, is a species of clam invasive to the West Coast of the United States. In the waters of the Sound and the Hood Canal the Varnish clams have been displacing Manila clams, also natives of Asia that arrived here mixed in with Pacific oyster seed in the 1940s which soon began invading the territory of native Littleneck clams. What is purple varnish clams used for? They are Oregon's largest common clam. Region: West Coast.Best Use: Steamed clam dishes, sauced with butter, white wine, or broth. Put the clams into a large non-reactive container (galvanized steel will kill them, for example). Next, just remove one clam at a time and rinse under cold water. Stir the clams into the chowder. Her food writing can be found in. Adding cornmeal or black pepper to the water, in addition to encouraging clams to spit out more sand, is also said to have a positive effect on clams. To harvest molluscan shellfish for recreational purposes, you must have a license from the ODFW. rogerdodger. This introduced species is named for the shiny brown coating ( periostracum) on the exterior of its shell (which peels off like old varnish) and the purple colouring of the interior. Purple varnish clams can be cooked a variety of ways, but steaming is the most popular method. To me that meant that we needed to start eating a more varied and diverse source of shellfish, including some of the invasive species we werent really familiar with. Crabs with small whitish pink or clear shells are known as pea crabs, and they can be found in a variety of clams, including geoy duck and horse clams. Recipe: Purple Varnish Clam, Wild Nettle, and Mushroom Bone Broth Ramen PREP TIME: 30 minutes COOK TIME: 20 minutes YIELD: 2 bowls TOTAL THC/CBD: Depends on the potency of the products used STATUS: a bowl of noods FROM THE PANTRY: Cannabis-infused soy sauce, cannabis infused sesame oil They have a show similar to softshell clams. They range from small to medium in size and are a delicious . In the batch of 72, we had only three that were duds. Inside, a thick, shiny periostracum is found, which is the fibrous layer on the shells. All you need are your hands and a bucket or bag. Technique:Purple varnish clams are found in very high densities. After 20 minutes, the clams will have cleaned themselves of much of the salt and sand they have collected. For us as a family, clamming was usually a great excuse to head to the beach leaving the farm behind for Narragansett, Point Judith Pond, and the muddy bays and estuaries that get plenty of tidal flow. The Oxford Companion to Food points out that, while the name should refer only to bivalves that can close their shells completely, this definition actually eliminates a few accepted clam types (razors, for example) and includes oysters and mussels. Why purple varnish clams are good? Peaceful mountain lakes. olive oil1/2 fennel bulb, quartered, cored and sliced crosswise 3 cloves garlic, minced 3-4 oz. Find more tips on razor clamming, (Note razor clamming in Oregon is closed from July 15 to September 30 each year. Youve got the tide tables memorized and a favorite recipe for clam chowder queued up and ready to go. Ladle chowder into bowls. Today. Because they are smaller and lighter than Manilla clams, I consider them good for fancy seafood soups where whole live clams are included. But, even as the food world rapidly globalizes, clams remain steadfastly regional. The photographs, illustrations and easy to follow instructions in the color edition will unlock the secrets to digging razor clams and bay clams (gaper clams, cockles, butter clams, littleneck clams, Manila clams, purple varnish clams or softshell clams . The crabbing from 12th Ave. Bridge over the Necanicum River Estuary was good the last time I visited the area. They can be found in nearly every estuary in Oregon year-round, but some. Shrimp and prawns: Daily limit of 20 pounds including the shell. Because of their size and lighter weight than Manilla clams, I like to serve them in fancy seafood soups containing whole live clams. In contrast to clams in the Philippines, Purple Clams are more creamy and tender. Once they're cooked, purple varnish clams can be eaten as is or used in a variety of recipes. Step 3 Mix milk and ranch dressing in shallow bowl. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This post may contain affiliate links. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter . The inside of the shell is a vivid purple, unlike any other local clam. To make the broth: in the large saucepan add the bone broth, mushroom powders, crumbled dry mushrooms, chili paste, soy sauce, and ginger and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring well to dissolve mushroom powders. The mud's level of acidity changes the color of their shell: for more flavor, look for darker shells. . Wash your clams in fresh water for about 20 minutes before cooking them. Request a permit for diving into an oyster or a sacallop by contacting the ODFW Marine Resources Program. Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Shijimi, a brackishwater Japanese clam thought to be a hangover cure and often used in miso soup, is classified as an invasive species in the US and is rarely found other than in packaged miso soups or frozen. Because April is Invasive Species Month, we encourage you to support our Littleneck and other native species, as well as eat more invasive-yet-tasty clams. Make a 78 inch (1820 cm) hole in the ground. It is native to the Northwest Pacific from Russia, Japan and China. The following recipe showcases the value purple varnish clams contribute to prepared clam dishes. The purple varnish clams were discovered in Oregon recently, most likely from Asian waters. Physiologically they may have an advantage because of their two feeding siphons and the ability to both filter feed and deposit feed (here's a fascinating deeper look at this clam). Always call the Oregon Department of Agriculture hotline (800-448-2474) or visit their. Clam Recipes Find recipes for New England clam chowder and Manhattan clam chowder, tips and recipes for steamed and fried clams, and every clam pasta sauce under the sun. Butter clams can be found as deep as 50 feet below the tideline. Add white wine and bring to a boil. Medical Information Search. So help out our Littleneck and other native species and eat more invasive-yet-tasty clams; they'll thank you for it. Add salt and let sit at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours. The purge usually takes 12 to 24 hours. But enough about the clams that you cant eat: The coasts of the US are (literally!) Top each ramen with equal amounts of chopped green onions as well as a drizzle of chili and sesame oil. Purple Varnish Clams have a strong flavor and tender flesh, making them ideal for eating in a bowl. Littlenecks: The smallest of the hard-shell clams ( Mercenaria mercenaria ), measuring just over one inch across (measured at the hinge). They can be found in nearly every estuary in Oregon year-round, but some popular digging spots include Coos Bay, Necanicum Bay and Siletz Bay. They called the local mollusk poquauhock, which morphed into "quahog" as it entered the English language. Transfer clams to a large, clean bowl or plastic container and cover with ice-cold water. Buried in sand, gravel, or silt, these clams can be found all along the intertidal zone between mid- to high-intertidal zones. At about two and a half inches wide, these grill up nicely and work for pasta sauces, while still being palatable served raw on the half-shell (the bigger clams get, the more people tend to shy away from eating them raw), but they are also the perfect size for stuffing and broiling. You dont need a ton of gear to have a great time clamming in Oregon. They have been replacing native Asian clams, also known as Littleneck clams, which were introduced into the area by combining Pacific oyster seed with imported Asian clams in the 1940s, and then quickly colonized the native Littleneck clams. We are so very proud of her accomplishment. Purple Varnish clams are most likely eaten as plankton larvae by ships sailing from Asia to Puget Sound. They are known by a variety of names including blue, empire, horse and horse-neck clams. How to Clean and Cook Purple Varnish Clams Make another bowl of the saltwater mixture and soak the clams again. A pound of razor clams is said to taste almost exactly like a pound of these. No problem. No problem. As of Nov. 3, 2022, razor clamming is closed coastwide due to elevated levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring marine biotoxin. The purple varnish clam is a species of small, edible saltwater clam in the family Mactridae. There is usually a small license fee for adults and kid permits are free. No shovel or clam gun? Were they eating them? To cook, bring an inch or two of salted water to a boil, add clams and wait for them to pop open, just about 20 to 30 seconds. Read the flipbook version of February 2022 Auction Catalog. To cook, bring an inch or two of salted water to a boil, add clams and wait for them to pop open, just about 20 to 30 seconds. The Narragansett tribe of Native Americans waded and dove for these clams, which dominate the clam-scape of the East Coast. If you live in Oregon, you will need to pay $6.50 per license. Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Most people go for Purple Varnish Clams here. On the East Coast, the quahog is queen, shucked and swimming in its own brine on ice at raw bars, stewed in chowders, baked in the shell, steamed in a wine-rich broth, or made into a sauce that gets tossed with linguine. Permits for diving with abalone and sperm are available through the ODFW Marine Resources Program. The states 363 miles of coastline dish up accessible options for all levels of experience and enthusiasm. The flavor of these delectable clams is salty and sweet. GAPER CLAM About: Gaper clams are found in several Oregon estuaries. When cooked, it is a delicious addition to curry, pasta, or chowder. The purple varnish clam is a small clam, typically growing to a size of 1-2 inches. Drain clams, reserving 2 tablespoons juice; set clams aside. Tropical Chia Pudding Breakfast Bowl (High Protein), Choosing Hydroponic Grow Lights for Your Grow Room A-Grade Hydroponics, Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner 100 Days of Real Food, The Benefits of Hydroponic Strawberry Growing A-Grade Hydroponics, Building a Pallet Planter: Getting Started, Stop And Smell The Roses For Better Mental Health, 1 tsp. Thoroughly was any of the remaining sand from the clams. Youll find them along the New England coast, including near Ipswich, Massachusetts, whose name is often used to describe the species in general, even when grown further up the coast in Maine. A daily limit of 20 pounds of shrimp, as well as the shell, is imposed on them. Each recipe is an adventure in fine dinning ranging from an intimate dinner to a good old fashion clambake. Varnish clams are also called "purple varnish clams", "mahogany clams", and "dark mahogany clams". While countneck are the smallest legally harvestable kind of quahog, littlenecks are the smallest commonly seen on menus and in stores. Recipe: Purple Varnish Clam, Wild Nettle, and Mushroom Bone Broth Ramen PREP TIME: 30 minutes COOK TIME: 20 minutes YIELD: 2 bowls TOTAL THC/CBD: Depends on the potency of the products used STATUS: a bowl of noods FROM THE PANTRY: Cannabis-infused soy sauce, cannabis infused sesame oil This introduced species is named for the shiny brown coating ( periostracum) on the exterior of its shell (which peels off like old varnish) and the purple colouring of the interior. Jul 14, 2019 - After our clamming adventure the other day, I set out preparing the haul. The number of varnish clams that can be harvested will protect the population and ensure that their ecosystem remains as delicate as possible. And although it is considered an invasive species here in the Pacific Northwest, the species at hand is simply just the wrong creature in the wrong place at the right time. Add 2 tbsp butter to a large pot and bring heat to med-high. They can be found as deep as 20 centimetres (6.9 inches) below the surface, or as deep as the intertidal zone, and they are buried in sand, gravel, or silt. Their shells are usually purple in color on the interior. Keep broken clams. Once purged, or if you choose to take a chance and trust your fishmongers purging abilities, cover them in a wet towel in your fridge and try to eat them as soon as possible, as they deteriorate rapidly after harvest. Its growing popularity makes this over-sized mollusk a delicacy worth exploring. To freeze, place the live clean clams in a plastic bag and remove the air. Most of the time, though, clams in the US are edible, as the Europeans landing on New World shores learned quickly from indigenous peoples, who had long been eating a version of what is now known as clam chowder. If you happen to find some, they can sub in for clams in nearly any cooked recipe (though in greater number, as they tend to be smaller). Every spoonful of this thick and creamy soup has clams, potatoes, and bacon! 4. I was first introduced to the purple vanish clam on the Oregon coast many years ago. To keep clams alive, I blow bubbles into the water to oxygenate it. It is important to note that in some areas, a parasitic Pea Crab can be found. Purple varnish clams were recently introduced to Oregon, most likely from ballast waters from Asia. Purple varnish clams are well-established in a number of bays and estuaries in the state of Oregon. Largely concentrated along the ocean beaches of, , razor clams can dig down deep and fast. Call the shellfish safety hotline at 800-448-2474 for updated information. and simply start digging with your hands. To cook, bring an inch or two of salted water to a boil, add clams and wait for them to pop open, just about 20 to 30 seconds. Its not hard to clean a razor clam, but a visual reference helps. Instead of pouring the clams and water into a strainer, pull the clams out of the water. These clams get their name from their purple exterior and are native to the Pacific Northwest. Get outdoors and experience it all, right here. There is no limit to the amount of mud and ghost shrimp. (On the West Coast youll sometimes find "Pacific littleneck" clams, and although they share a name with small quahogs and look rather similar, they're a whole different species. These little ladies are stunners. Mussels: Daily limit of 72. The harvesting of varnish clams is governed by regulations to protect the species population. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall describes the difference between clams and cockles as negligible on the beach, but in the kitchen, Clams are posh. Instead of purchasing sand shrimp, they could be the next best bait for surf perch. Broken clams will not live if you put them back. February 2, 2023. They're also known as mahogany or varnish clams, and have a full body, celery-ish flavor profile, and they include a good amount of meat. Call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1.800.448.2474 for more information. 4 lbs. They typically have purple coloration on the interior of the shell . Do you want to enter your opinion about a specific issue into the public record? The varnish clam (Chamixius fimbriatus) is a small, burrowing clam that is found in eelgrass beds in the northeastern United States. Sand crabs, mole crabs, kelp worms and sand worms: No limit. There is no one answer to this question as the depth at which purple varnish clams are found can vary depending on where they are located. Mi Xao Lobster Recipe: How to Create Asian Flavor for 2023. The daily catch limit was increased from 36 to 72 hours per day. Once the onion begins browning, add celery and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. $ 49.00 Add to Cart Also known as varnish, mahogany, or just plain old "purple clams," these clams are gorgeous, plump, and juicy. Unlike East Coast steamers, though, these are hard-shell clams, perhaps the smallest and sweetest youll find on a table in the US. Scientific Name:Nuttallia obscurata Size:1.5 - 3 in. At home, quickly wash every clam under cold tap water to remove mud or grit on the outside of the shell. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. Smaller ones are eaten raw, shucked and on the half-shell, whereas bigger ones are the basis of famed clam chowder . Shape into flat patties. Required fields are marked *. If theyre large, you can gut them as well. Fast forward 30 years and I now do all my clamming on the west coast, in the Pacific Northwest to be exact. They have displaced Littleneck clams, also Asian native species that first arrived in this area with Pacific oyster seed mixed in in the 1940s, and have since colonized their native range. Step 2 Cover an 11-17-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Purple Varnish Clam Chowder 2 lbs cleaned (approx 80) Purple Varnish, Razor or Manila clams 1.5 Ibs red potatoes peeled & cubed 1 stock celery minced small (like seriously small) yellow onion minced real butter 1/4 cup white rice flour 1/4 cup + an extra glug of Sherry cooking wine (sub white wine) 4 cups chicken, fish, or vegetable stock Lobster, Crab, And Shrimp Macaroni And Cheese Recipe 2023. 2014 Institute for Applied Ecology. Or simply mail a check or money order to Digging Clams in Oregon P.O. They live alongside Manila clams and share many of their characteristics, including cooking styles, though they take three times as long to cook.). Pour the potatoes, cooked clams and the clam juice into a colander reserving the clam stock in a bowl until needed. Frequent questions. Dredge the clams in a mixture of a cup of flour and a tablespoon of baking powder. No matter which clams youre after, you need a license. Purple varnish clams, also known as mahogany clams, are indigenous to North Americas Pacific Northwest. The Purple Varnish Clam, otherwise known as the Dark Mahogany Clam or Savory Clam, is a species of clam invasive to the West Coast of the United States. lions mane mushroom powder (optional), 2 Tbsp. Purple Varnish Clams - YouTube Our award winning recipe for Oregon's Stuffed Clams using purple varnish sets purple varnish above the rest. Be sure to check biotoxin safety closures before harvesting these clams by going toODAs websiteor by calling the shellfish harvest hotline1-800-448-2474. If a last-minute day trip to Newport or Tillamook finds you with little more than a blanket and a beach bag, theres still a perfect style of clamming for you. These clams can be found in sand, gravel, or silt in the middle or high intertidal zones. They are not safe to eat. 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If youre looking for a unique seafood experience, purple varnish clams are a great option. Purple varnish clams can be found in a variety of bays and estuaries throughout Oregon, including Sand Lake, Siletz Bay, Alsea Bay, Siuslaw River estuary, and Coos Bay. Find more tips on razor clamming here. Note: depending on harvest location, many of these clams can contain a parasitic Pea Crab. Whether youre buying or foraging for your clams, you want to look for shells without cracks or chips, make sure that the clams are free of "off" smells, and check that each specimen still has a little bit of spring in itif you touch the clam, it should either open or close. When the ship arrived and the ballast tanks were discharged, the surviving larvae found footing in the hospitable waters of British Columbia and the Sound. Named for its resemblance to a straight razor, this species, easily distinguishable from the Pacific razor clam, also goes by the name Atlantic jackknife. And dont give up: Razors have been found as far as 4 feet below the surface. It is oval in shape and is relatively flat with a prominent ligament near the hinge. Shrimp: 20lbs in the shell. A wide variety of other bivalve species are found in Oregon estuaries, but not commonly harvested due either to their scarcity or . If the clams are small, you can eat them whole after removing the tough neck skin. Four pounds of clams more than fed a crew of ten adults as an appetizer when combined with fennel, garlic, chorizo and a cup of white wine, then steamed for ten minutes or so, and garnered raves for their size and flavor.