"Sold per lb. Ipswich clams or soft-shell clamsare are the traditional New England Clambake Clam. The steamer clams are dug by hand using a clam rake in the mud and sand flats in places like Essex, Massachusetts, Harpswell, Maine or Chatham on Cape Cod.
They are called steamers because they’re best served that way - Steamed! They are tender and extremely rich and sweet and are usually steamed and dipped in drawn butter. Steamer clams have soft and brittle shells and do not completely close since the long neck or siphon gets in the way. New Englanders say the best clams for steaming are steamer clams. As one of our New England customers put it, the other clams are for amatuers. Littlenecks, middlenecks, topnecks or cherrystones can be substituted. Steamers are also used for New England’s famous fried clams. If you plan to make your own fried clams or chowder, your best bet is to buy them shucked in their natural juice. If you have ever bought fried clams in New England, they used the steamer clams.
There is nothing better than a heaping bowl of sweet steamer clams. In New England, steamers are served along with their steaming broth and melted butter; the broth to douse the steamed clam meat in and to rid it of any residual sand, and the warm butter for dipping. Eating steamers is messy, so have lots of bread for soaking up broth, and paper napkins for your fingers.
Shells may open or gape naturally: this does not necessarily mean the product is spoiled or dead. The siphon or neck, of a soft-shell clam will constrict when touched. A gentle tap on the shell will usually cause the clam to close. If a clam does not respond to a tap on its shell, or if the shell is broken, it should be discarded. Plan to cook your steamers soon after they arrive. To store clams in the shell, refrigerate (34-45 F) in a shallow bowl and cover with a clean damp cloth.
How to Purge Steamer Clams
Since steamers are raked from sand and mud flats, you will find some sand. A brine soak helps clams rid themselves of sand and grit before they are cooked. Soak clams in a solution of 1/3 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water (just to cover) for about an hour in the refrigerator. Some cooks suggest adding a tablespoon of cornmeal to the salt mixture. Here's a recipe for them: http://www.baylobsters.com/index.php?option=com_garyscookbook&Itemid=55&func=detail&id=270
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