Fresh Razor Clams from France

Despite their narrow shape, the razor clam is a protein-rich addition to any meal. Because they are found buried in the sand, they bring with them the scents of the seaside. Their flavor and texture changes from one end of the clam to the other. Their meat is chewier at the bases, with a slightly sandy feel. The centers have the sweetest meat, slightly green in coloration. And the top portions have a soft, white meat with a sharp tang.

Razor clams can be eaten raw off a plate of ice, the same way oysters are, but they are generally cooked. You can pan-fry them with a dash of lemon juice or white wine, or serve them à la Sétoise (with herbs, tomato, and onions, as they do in Sète in the south of France).

As with most shellfish, wine pairings depend on the dish the clams are used in. With spicy dishes like a rigatoni with linguica sausages or grills with lemon-chive vinaigrette, we recommend a strong Verdejo. Fried, go for a Riesling. If you use razor clams for a classic clams casino, reach for a Sancerre. Get as creative as you like!

In the town of Finistère, Brittany, shellfish gathering has become not only a local pastime, but a tourist attraction. Razor clams are easy to gather. All you need is a spade. The razor clams hide in the fine sand, easy to find because of the keyhole shapes they make when they burrow in. Sprinkle salt into the sand and they’ll wriggle back out all on their own—and right into your spade or hand!

This is a pre-ordered item at The Bow Tie Duck and will only be available while the producer from overseas is able to supply and allow air-flown delivery. Because this item is subject to seasonal availability, we require a total minimum quantity of 3kg to be able to ship. If the minimum is not met by our cut-off date, we will have to delay the entire shipment. In case of delivery delays, delivery cancellations, “out of stock” notices, or “out of season” notices after purchase, you will be contacted by our Support Team. You will receive a refund or product replacement, or you can choose a new delivery date for your item. In choosing to place an order, you agree to the terms and have read that this particular product is not on-hand. After a short wait, you will receive your orders fresh from the source.

Store your fresh shellfish in the fridge, keeping the temperature between 0 to 5°C. Place it in a bowl with ice at the bottom—or if you have the room, place ice in a large bowl, then place the shellfish in a slightly smaller bowl to sit in the large one—and cover everything up with a wet paper towel. To enjoy them at their freshest, please consume them within 48 hours.