There aren’t many things in life that taste even remotely as delicious as seafood. Whether you’re having canned tuna or sushi, there’s nothing quite like it.
If you’ve never known the taste of mussels or clams that melt in your mouth, let’s just say you’re missing out on the experience of a lifetime.
That aside, several seafood lovers often get oysters, mussels, and clams confused. While many are aware that they taste different, most people aren’t sure what other contrasts exist beyond their respective flavor profiles.
Without further ado, here’s the low-down on everything you need to know about oysters and mussels vs clams.
Table of Contents
What Are Oysters?
Oyster refers to the several different families of bivalve mollusks that inhabit saltwater. The term “bivalve” means that the mollusk has a compressed body that’s enclosed in a hinged shell.
People either love or hate oysters. They hardly ever garner “mehs”…
Aside from the fact that they’re consumed raw accompanied by a bottle of bubbly and that pregnant women should stay away from them, there’s a lot that may surprise you about these mollusks.
Types of Oysters
For starters, there are five different species of oysters and 100+ varieties that all hail from them. There’s the Olympia Oyster, Atlantic Oyster, European Flat Oyster, Kumamoto Oyster, and the Pacific (or Japanese) Oyster. Aside from the water they grow in, the key differentiator between these five different species of bivalves is their shells.
Olympia oysters have small, round, and smooth shells with a little iridescent coloring. Kumamotos look similar to Olympias, although their shells are pale. Atlantic oysters generally have a teardrop or comma shape and tend to be quite large.
On the other hand, the European flat is equally large and has a straight shell with fine ridges. The Pacific oyster looks a lot like the European variety except that it has smaller, more wavy casings.
Here’s a fun fact about oysters. Each of these mollusks filters between 30 and 50 gallons of ocean water a day. Think about how much water an entire bed of them can clean. This makes them not only tasty but great for the environment as well.
Health Benefits
You’ve probably heard that oysters are great for revving up your sex drive. While that might very well be true, it doesn’t tell the whole story.
These tasty mollusks are rich in zinc, which is not only great for your reproductive health but also boosts your immune system and strengthens your bones. It even helps ease rashes and get rid of acne.
Taste
Ever wonder why people say you shouldn’t eat oysters in the months that don’t have the letter “r” in them? Think – May, June, July, and August. It’s because it’s a lot harder to keep them fresh in the summer heat, particularly before you refrigerate them.
There’s also the fact that bivalves spawn during this period, which gives them a somewhat weak and watery flavor. Not to mention that oysters just taste better when the water is colder. Now that’s when they truly thrive.
As far as food pairing goes, if you thought the taste of champagne with oysters was out of this world, you haven’t had them with absinthe. There’s something so remarkably tantalizing about combining these briny, mineral-rich mollusks with the soft mint and fennel of absinthe that breathes new life into each flavor in a unique way.
What Are Clams?
A clam is also a type of bivalve mollusk that lives on the ocean floor, although you will find them in freshwater bodies as well. If you are taking baby steps as you venture into the mollusk family of seafood, clams are a great way to ease you in.
Although you can eat them raw and should be aware of the associated risks of consuming them in that form, they are great candidates for breading, frying, and grilling.
Types of Clams
There are roughly 150 different types of edible clams that exist, but only a handful of them are commercially available. Here are some of the common ones you’re likely to come across in your local farmers’ market.
Geoduck Clams
Pronounced “gooey-ducks,” these are quite popular in the Northwest Pacific, as well as Asia. They have a chewy, almost crunchy texture and a delicious briny flavor. The two common species of geoduck clams are the Pacific geoducks and the Atlantic geoducks.
The two are virtually indistinguishable, with shells measuring between seven and nine inches in length and siphons that grow up to four feet long. This makes them the largest burrowing clams in existence.
Hard Clams
Also known as quahogs, two main varieties exist. There are the Northern quahogs that live in the intertidal zones of the Atlantic coast between the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These have shells that measure anywhere between 1.5 and 3.5 inches.
There are also the Southern quahogs found in the intertidal zones between the West Indies and the Chesapeake Bay. These can grow up to six inches long.
Hard clams can be eaten raw, grilled, stuffed, or broiled.
Mahogany Clams
Also known as ocean quahogs, these clams are found in the North Atlantic region, particularly around Maine. Their shell shape is round and is typically dark brown or black.
They reach maturity after six years and can live for up to 100. They have a much stronger flavor compared to their hard clam cousins and are well suited to making pasta dishes.
Manila Clams
Also known as steamer clams on the West Coast, these mollusks are a type of small, hard-shell clam found in the Pacific Ocean. They have a sweet flavor and are less briny compared to other clam varieties.
You can eat them raw or steamed or use them in a host of pasta dishes.
Razor Clams
These have brittle shells that gape open. Pacific razor clams have oval-shaped shells with long, protruding siphons. They are sweet and tender and can be eaten raw.
On the other hand, Atlantic razors have a milder flavor compared to their Pacific counterparts and have shells that measure up to eight inches long. They are best grilled or steamed.
Soft-Shell Clams
These have thin, brittle, oval-shaped shells that are grayish-white in color with long siphons. They can grow up to six inches long and are best steamed or deep-fried and served with butter. The larger clams are great for making chowder.
Surf Clams
Surfs account for about 33 percent of the clams harvested in the US. They live in deep water and are mainly found off the coast of New Jersey. They grow up to six inches long, making them perfect for clam chowder.
Washington Clams
Also known as butter clams, these mollusks are best known for their melt-in-your-mouth feel. There are two main types of Washington clams you might come across.
There’s the Northern butter clam that’s found in the ocean waters between San Francisco and Alaska. It measures up to four inches in diameter.
Then, the larger Southern butter clam grows up to seven inches long and has purple streaks of color inside its shell. These are commonly harvested from the waters between Humboldt Bay in Northern California and Baja California in Mexico.
What Are Mussels?
Mussels are yet another kind of bivalve mollusk that grows in saltwater habitats. You’ll find them along the exposed shores of the Atlantic coast between Virginia and the Arctic Ocean. They have long, oval-shaped, hinged shells that are navy blue-black in color.
Freshwater mussel species also exist and have a similar appearance to the saltwater variety, although these are generally not eaten. The majority of the mussels available today are commercially farmed.
If you come across a glossy heap of shells in your local grocery store or seafood market, those are usually live mussels. The best ones to buy are the ones with tightly shut shells. Always discard any that have missing bits of shell or gaping ones before cooking.
Types of Mussels
There are several different types of mussels, depending on the region you live in and the season. Here are the common ones you might encounter.
- Mediterranean mussels – These are usually in season in the summer and fall. Their shells are quite wide and have very plump meat.
- Blue mussels – These are in season in the winter and spring months. While they're a lot smaller in size compared to their Mediterranean cousins, they more than make-up for this shortcoming in the rich intensity of their flavor.
- Green-lip mussels – These tend to have very large shells with a green tinge along their edges. They are extensively cultivated in New Zealand and parts of Asia.
Similarities Between Oysters, Mussels vs Clams
Now that we’ve explored all the ways clams, mussels, and oysters are different, here’s a list of the similarities they share.
- Their bodies are soft and unsegmented
- They are edible mollusks
- They are filter-feeders
- They are invertebrates
- They have hinged shells that cover their bodies
- Some species produce pearls
Nutritional Benefits of Oysters, Mussels vs Clams
Here’s why eating these delicious mollusks is good for you.
- They are rich in high-quality protein and zinc, all of which boost the immune system and strengthen bone tissue
- They are an excellent source of iron, which is great for anemia prevention
- They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote good cardiovascular health
- They are low in calories, which is great for weight loss
Conclusion
There you have it – the difference between oysters, mussels vs clams. Here’s a word of caution, though. Ensure that you don’t have any pre-existing shellfish allergies before indulging in these delicious mollusks. These are more common than you might think and can be life-threatening.
If you’re worried about their mercury content, you should generally steer clear of these shellfish, especially if you’re pregnant. Other than that, consider making them a regular part of your seafood diet.
In the meantime, if you’re craving Japanese cuisine, check out our review of the 10 best sushi making kits.
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