clams.

A 100g serving of clams provides approximately 14.67g of lean protein and is one of the best dietary sources of iron available. They also offer significant amounts of selenium and Vitamin B12, making them a nutrient-dense seafood choice.

Yes, clams are keto-friendly as they contain only about 3.57g of carbohydrates per 100g. They are a great way to incorporate high-quality protein and essential minerals into a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.

In their natural state, clams are 100% gluten-free. However, consumers should be cautious with prepared dishes like clam chowder, fried clams, or stuffed clams, as these often contain flour or breadcrumbs as thickeners or coatings.

Clams are not kosher as Jewish dietary law forbids shellfish. In Islamic dietary law, most schools consider all seafood halal, though the Hanafi school generally considers shellfish like clams to be 'makruh' or prohibited.

Scrub the shells under cold water to remove debris, then soak them in a bowl of salted cold water for 20-30 minutes. This process, known as purging, allows the clams to spit out any sand or grit trapped inside their shells.

Clams are cooked when their shells pop open, which usually takes 5-10 minutes depending on the heat. You must discard any clams that remain tightly closed after cooking, as they were likely dead before cooking and may be unsafe to eat.

Store live clams in the refrigerator in an open container covered with a damp cloth to keep them moist. Do not store them in airtight bags or submerged in fresh water, and aim to cook them within 1-2 days of purchase.

Before cooking, tap any open shells; if the shell does not close immediately, the clam is dead and should be thrown away. Additionally, discard any clams with cracked shells or those that have a strong, unpleasant ammonia-like odor.