Clams are bivalve mollusks with a rough oval - shaped

The following should be done when cleaning clams:

Selecting - Discard damaged, chipped, broken and already opened clams. When they are alive they don't close when tapped gently. Immediately open the wrapper so they can breath and place in a cool place. Enclosing them in a tight container or a tight space can make them die.

Soaking - This should be done for at least two hours in heavily salted water to remove the grit and the sand. Though we buy clams already clean, we should still soak them just to be sure that they are really clean. Soaking clams in water allow them to breath and thus they filter the water while breathing. Sand and salt water are pushed out of their shells when filtered and cleaned themselves of grit and salt. Pick them up instead of pouring in a strainer to make sure that the salt, grit and the sand that settled at the bottom won't go with the cleaned clams.

Scrubbing - Using a wire brush, scrub the shell of the clams as they burrow under the sand. Scrub off any remaining grit, sand, barnacles, salt or any additional attachments accumulated while in water. Never use soap to do this process.

Be sure to put them back in an open bowl filled with fresh water to make sure that they are still alive just before cooking.

They are now ready for cooking and you can choose how you are going to cook them. If you are going to steam them and after steaming there are clams that didn't open, discard them as they are already unhealthy and can cause some illness.

If you decided to eat them raw, the best way is to shuck them open using a clam knife or a dull knife but only after placing them in a freezer for at least half an hour and letting them warm for at least 5 minutes. This can help shucking quite easy. When shucking the clams make sure to save the clam water. This can be used for adding flavor to your dish.

Whichever way you want to cook the clams, they are now ready for your desired dish or recipe. Try them and start enjoying this delicious and nutritious delicacy. Many simple recipes can be found on the net that can surely satisfy your palate.