Jun 8, 2008

Geoducks Are Delicious

You're looking at a geoduck clam (pronounced 'gooey duck'). I've got lots of experience with these, having gone clamming for them for years now off the coast of Northern California. I use the old-fashoned method of syphoning the slurried mud with a pump made from PVC piping, a steel rod, and a tennis ball, then diving to my belly in an eager grab for the elusive clam's retreating neck. The big ones usually survive an encounter with me, because their necks are long enough that their bodies are more than six feet down, enabling them to get just beyond my six-foot reach. At least it's sporting, and few things are as humbling as being outwitted by a creature with a negligable nervous system.

These suckers are the second-longest living creature on the planet, second only to the giant tortoise. Oh, and
wouldn't you know it: they're considered to be aphrodisiacs in Asia. Having eaten my share of them, I can say that there are few Western foods less sexy than a bowl of salty goop filled with mollusk bits, but maybe I'm missing something. After all, raw fish eggs seem to do the trick.

Thanks for the geoduck, Annica.


Photo source: Dark Roasted Blend

14 comments:

Raging Wombat said...

Let's keep the comments clean here, people. We all know what part of the male anatomy they resemble.

:)

Annica said...

Yer welcome, wombat!
And gosh, they dó resemble the male thingy (like I hadn't noticed that yet...), especially when held by a female hand...
Are they really good to eat? I read they are véry expensive!

Denita TwoDragons said...

You are SO NOT FUN, Wombat!! *pout*

Someone put a Speedo on that thing! *runs*

--TwoDragons

Annica said...

@TwoDragons; Hilarious!!! LMAO!

W. A. Whipple said...

'kay - keeping it clean... with effort.

But how in the heck does all that fit back into the shell? (DOES it all fit back in the shell??)

Arallyn said...

yes, it all does fit back into the shell! it's insane how retractable they are. they are funny creatures.

morgan said...

FALSE! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7066389.stm

Raging Wombat said...

Morgan -- good article. Certainly there might be longer-lived individuals, but we're talking species average here.

Unknown said...

I watched a dirty jobs special on these guys that was just...too funny. I was rolling. If you get a chance don't miss it!

Anonymous said...

I just wondered how long it would take until these got featured on ugly overload...
How was the saying...
"Is that a geoduck in your pocket or are you just glad sashimi???" *ducks*

Anonymous said...

Merf.... I know I know, keep it clean, but just... o_O

Anonymous said...

What on earth qualifications to become an Asian aphrodisiac? Do you just have to be phallic shaped? Tasty? (I doubt it for some) I don't know... but I am AMAZINGLY disturbed by the woman with painted nails holding that thing.

Anonymous said...

Bwahahahaha!

*gasp*!

Ok... sorry... Anons comment tickled my funnybone is all.

Raging Wombat said...

I know, Denita. I'm sorry. Sashimi -- I love it!