Is Fresh Clam Chowder Expected to Have Sand?

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In summary, fresh clam chowder is expected to have a small amount of sand in it due to the nature of fresh clams being filter feeders. The speaker suggests a method of purging the sand from live clams before cooking them. This technique does not work for "prairie oysters."
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Stephen Tashi
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Is fresh clam chowder expected to have a tiny bit of sand in it (from the clams)? I'm only familiar with the canned versions of clam chowder. Many of them contain a little sand.
 
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I would imagine that 'fresh clams' probably have grains of sand in them, since they are filter feeders.
 
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Plenty of minerals in clam chowder!
 
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When I lived in Maine we would sometimes eat steamed mussels and steamer clams. To purge the sand I would keep them live in the fridge in salted water and feed them sprinkles of corn muffin mix for a couple of days. The critters would expell the sand and fill their tummies with sweet muffin mix. Yum.

As a midwesterner I can advise that the same technique does not work for "prairie oysters".
 
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1. What causes sand in fresh clam chowder?

Sand in fresh clam chowder is typically caused by small particles of sand that are present in the clams themselves. These particles can be difficult to completely remove during the cleaning process, resulting in sand in the final dish.

2. Is it safe to eat fresh clam chowder with sand?

While sand in fresh clam chowder may not be appetizing, it is generally safe to eat. The sand particles are usually very small and will not cause harm if ingested. However, if you are concerned, you can strain the chowder through a fine mesh sieve to remove any sand before serving.

3. Can sand in fresh clam chowder be prevented?

It can be difficult to completely prevent sand from getting into fresh clam chowder, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the amount of sand in your dish. Before cooking, soak the clams in cold water for about 20 minutes, then scrub them with a brush to remove any sand and debris. You can also strain the chowder through a fine mesh sieve before serving to remove any sand that may have made its way into the dish.

4. How can I tell if fresh clam chowder has sand in it?

Sand in fresh clam chowder is usually visible as small, gritty particles in the dish. You may also feel the sand when you chew on the clams. If you suspect there may be sand in your chowder, you can strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any particles.

5. Can I still enjoy fresh clam chowder if I don't like the texture of sand?

If you are not a fan of the sandy texture in fresh clam chowder, you can try using canned clams instead. These clams are typically pre-cleaned and do not have the same issue with sand. You can also strain the chowder through a fine mesh sieve to remove any sand before serving.

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