Akivades Clam

What Are Akivades Clams?

Akivades (Ruditapes decussatus) is a small clam species that lives in shallow sandy and muddy bottoms and has a ridged, checkered shell. It is also known as a carpet shell clam and by its Italian name, “vongole.”

It has small, flavorful meat inside its two-part shell; it is sold live, and its shell opens when cooked. It is the main ingredient in the Italian dish “spaghetti alle vongole.”

Akivades Clam Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g raw, clam meat contains approximately 86 kcal of energy, 14.7 g of protein, and very little fat; it is especially rich in iron and vitamin B12. It is one of the richest sources of B12 among shellfish.

What Are the Benefits of Akivades Clams?

With its high protein, iron, and B12 content, akivades clams can be included as part of a balanced diet; they are a low-fat, nutrient-dense seafood. People with a shellfish allergy should be cautious.

This is general information. Akivades clams are a food and are not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Akivades Clams

Fresh akivades clams are sold live; they should be heavy, smell fresh like the sea, and have closed shells or close when touched. Do not buy specimens with broken shells or that remain open and do not close when touched; they are dead.

• Shells should be closed; open ones should close when touched.
• Sort out specimens with broken or cracked shells.
• They should have a fresh sea smell; a strong, unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.

How to Store Akivades Clams

Akivades clams are a live product; store them in the refrigerator for 1–2 days, covered with a damp cloth and with airflow (not in fresh water). Keeping them in a sealed container or submerged in water will kill them.

Using Akivades Clams in the Kitchen

Akivades clams are most often steamed with garlic and white wine for vongole pasta, and are also served as a cold appetizer with olive oil and lemon. Purge the sand before cooking.

How to Purge Sand from Akivades Clams

Soak the clams for a few hours in cold salt water with a salinity similar to seawater; during this time, the live clams release the sand inside them into the water. Then rinse and cook them.

How to Make Spaghetti Vongole

Lightly sauté garlic in olive oil, add the akivades clams and white wine, and cook covered until the shells open; toss with cooked spaghetti and parsley.

What Recipes Can You Make with Akivades Clams?

Spaghetti vongole, akivades clams with olive oil, steamed akivades clams, and seafood stews are their best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are akivades and vongole the same?

Yes. “Vongole” is the Italian name for carpet shell clams like akivades and refers to the same type of shellfish.

Can you eat an akivades clam that does not open when cooked?

No. Shells that do not open during cooking should be sorted out and discarded, as the clams may have already been dead before cooking.

Can akivades clams be eaten raw?

Although very fresh specimens are eaten raw in some cuisines, cooking them thoroughly is recommended for safety; people in higher-risk groups should especially avoid eating them raw.

What is the difference between akivades clams and mussels?

Both are bivalve mollusks. Akivades is a small, ridged, checkered carpet shell clam, while the commonly known “mussel” refers to the dark-shelled mussel (Mytilus).

How do you clean akivades clams?

First purge the sand in salt water, then scrub the shells and rinse them in plenty of water; sort out any that are broken or remain open.