What is the difference between Little Neck clams and steamers?

You might be wondering about the difference between littlenecks and steamers. While littlenecks have a hard shell, steamers have a soft shell. And soft-shell clams are often referred to as “steamers” or “fryers” because they’re never eaten raw.

What kind of clams are used for clam chowder?

If you are going the fresh clam route then I recommend using fresh cherrystone clams. Cherrystone clams are more tender than quahogs (which is always a good thing). That being said, quahogs are commonly used because they are less expensive and will still work.

What’s the difference between quahogs and clams?

CALL IT A QUAHOG OR A CHOWDER — BUT NOT A CLAM (Even though they call it “clam” chowder, no Cape Codder would call a quahog a clam. In New England, “clam” typically means a soft-shell steamer clam — not a quahog.) Quahogs or sea clams used in the chowder must come from icy northern waters.

What are New England clams?

Soft-Shell Clams Steamers: Also known as mud, long-neck clams, or in New England, “pisser clams” because they spray out of their long necks. Soft-Shell clams can’t completely close their shells because of a long rubbery neck (or siphon).

Which clams are best for steaming?

Steamers, littlenecks, and cherrystones are the best clams for steaming. There are two basic types of clams to choose from: soft and hard. Soft-shell clams—a misnomer because their shells aren’t soft at all—have a small necklike siphon sticking out between their shells. They’re also known as steamers.

What is the difference between Little Neck and middle neck clams?

If you order littleneck or cherrystone clams in a restaurant, you’re eating the same species. The difference between the two is simply a matter of size. Mercenaria mercenaria, the hard shell clam, also is known as the quahog. Native Americans used the shells as wampum.

What is the difference between Little Neck and top neck clams?

Little Neck: The smallest size of clam, amounting to 7-10 clams per pound. Top Neck: These are sometimes also labeled as count neck clams, and they equal roughly 4 clams per pound. Quahog: These big guys are also called chowder clams and weigh in at a mighty 2-3 clams per pound.

Are steamers Quahogs?

In the United States, steamed clams are usually made with small soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria) called steamers, and sometimes with other shellfish harvested and served along the East Coast and in New England. Hard shell clams, sometimes known as quahogs, can also be steamed.