Behold the geoduck clam (pronounced gooey-duck). The Chinese call it the 'elephant trunk clam' and you can see from these photos why. 'Geoduck' comes from an American Indian word for 'dig deep' - refering to what people have to do to get to them. I'm proud to say that I have gone clamming for these myself, though I have never pulled one as large as this one from the muck. Look at that thing! How can something so visually disgusting be so very tasty when made into a chowder? This is one of the many mysteries of life.
This clamming party had quite a haul this particular day. I'm truly jealous. It is a very messy and muddy process. But bringing in this many pounds of clam would make it all worth it (otherwise it is just a hazing for in-laws or your sister's new boyfriend).Thanks for the photos, Emily.
Wow, I had no idea anything like that existed!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I could finally contribute to your knowledge!
ReplyDeleteI suggest you advise all readers to view the picture after they've eaten...or just advise them not to eat! (clams)
ReplyDeleteI should come up with some sort of cease-eating alert.
ReplyDeleteI love eating gooey ducks. My mother loves to make it with rice, tastes great! Though I do think you have to get used to the texture.
ReplyDeleteGeoducks are prized foods in food markets worldwide and are a highly valued fishery for the state (Puget Sound) , estimated at $40 million annually.
Check out geoduck for info.