Clams are a delicious and nutritious seafood option that can be enjoyed in various dishes. However, cleaning them properly is essential to ensure you have a quality meal free of sand, grit, or debris. Here are seven steps to follow to clean clams effectively:

1. Inspect the clams:

Begin by inspecting the clams for any signs of damage or cracks. Discard any with broken shells or those that are open and do not close when tapped lightly. This indicates that the clam may be dead and not safe for consumption.

2. Soak the clams:

Fill a large bowl with cold water and salt, using about 1/3 cup of salt per gallon of water. Gently place the clams in the water, making sure they are completely submerged. Let the clams soak for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, as they will expel sand and grit while submerged.

3. Stir the clams:

During the soaking process, periodically stir the clams in order to loosen any remaining sand or grit from inside their shells.

4. Scrub the shells:

Remove the clams from the water one at a time (do not pour them out, as it could reintroduce sand into their shells). Using a stiff brush or sponge, gently scrub the outer surface of each shell to dislodge any remaining dirt or debris.

5. Rinse thoroughly:

Hold each clam under cold running water while continuing to scrub its shell until it appears clean on all sides.

6. Repeat as necessary:

If there’s still visible sand or grit during rinsing, repeat steps 2-5 with fresh saltwater and additional soaking time.

7. Store properly until cooking:

Place cleaned clams in an open container with a damp cloth covering them to maintain moisture. Do not store them in an airtight container, as this can suffocate the clams. Use them as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of cleaning, for maximum freshness and flavor.

By following these seven steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy clean, delicious clams in your favorite recipes. Bon appétit!