Scallop, sea

Scientific name:  Placopecten megallanicus
Market name:  Scallop
Common name:  Sea scallop

The Sea Scallop Story

This species supports the largest scallop fishery in the world. Sea scallops are dredged year-round from Labrador to New Jersey. Since sea scallops die out of water, they are always shucked at sea and kept on ice, if not frozen aboard. The meat counts range from 20 to 40 per pound. New Bedford, Mass,, is the largest sea scallop port, and the auction there usually sets the price. Virginia, New York and New Jersey are also important suppliers. Sea scallops are farmed in New England and Newfoundland, but production is limited. Only the adductor muscle, which allows scallops to “swim” by clicking their shells together, is eaten. This mobility helps them escape pollutants that immobile bivalves like mussels, clams and oysters can’t avoid.  Avoid “wet” scallops that have soaked too long in chemical additives designed to maintain texture and taste. They’ll be flabby and opaque and will shed water and weight rapidly.

Product Profile

The largest commercially available scallops, sea scallops have a sweet, rich taste that ranges from mild to briny. Raw, the drum-shaped meat is a shiny, creamy white, sometimes with pinkish or brown spots. Top-quality scallops should have an ivory translucence and elastic springiness that allows them to keep their shape. Cooked meat is opaque white with a firm, lean texture.

Scallops are generally less susceptible to contamination than other shellfish, primarily because normally only the well-guarded adductor muscle is eaten. Still, persons in high-risk health categories should not eat them raw.

You Should Know...

“Dry” (untreated) sea scallops are your best bet, since you’ll be paying for water weight with oversoaked meats.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 100g/3.5 oz. (raw)
Amount per serving
Calories 87
Fat Calories 7
Total Fat 0.8 g
Saturated Fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 36 mg
Sodium 87 mg
Protein 16.2 g
Omega-3 0.2 g

Cooking Tips

Though they may be large, sea scallops still cook quickly. Recipes often suggest cutting them in half across the grain before cooking, but the large size makes sea scallops a natural for the grill. Don’t microwave scallops — they can explode at higher settings.

Substitutions: Bay scallops

Cooking Methods

Bake, Broil, Fry, Grill, Sauté, Steam

Primary Product Forms

Fresh

• Meats

Frozen

• Meats (IQF or block)

Value-added

• Breaded/battered
• Entrées

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