Scallops

Family Pectinidae

 

Scallops are bivalve mollusks that are members of the Family Pectinidae. They are the sole migratory bivalve. Scallops have a highly developed adductor muscle which allows them to swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells. In the United States, usually only the adductor muscle is consumed.

 

Scallops are hermaphroditic, meaning that they can change sexes. Both sexes produce roe. If the roe is red, then the animal is a female. If the roe is white, then the animal is a male.

 

Bay scallops are small. Often times, they are marketed as wet packed. Wet packing is a process where a substance known as STP is introduced to the scallop, allowing it to absorb large amounts of water. Scallops that are marketed as Dry Pack do not come into contact with STP.

 

Large scallops are sold as Sea Scallops, and are sold by the number to the pound. Traditionally, scallops were harvested by dredging the bottom of the sea, which frequently broke the shells. A common practice today is to send divers down to harvest the Scallops, which results in a Scallop of much higher quality.

Gary's Source:  China and Domestic

 

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