Giant Clam (Geoduck)

What Is Geoduck?

Geoduck (pronounced "gooey-duck") is a large clam species (Panopea generosa) that lives along the Pacific coasts of North America, particularly in the waters of Washington and British Columbia. It takes its name from its thick, meaty siphon, which can extend far longer than its shell.

While its shell remains relatively small, its siphon can extend to nearly 1 meter; this makes it unusual in appearance. It is a very long-lived species, with some specimens reaching ages over 100 years.

Nutritional Values of Geoduck

100 g of raw geoduck meat contains approximately 74 kcal of energy; it offers a profile typical for mollusks, with high protein and low fat. Values are approximate.

How Should Geoduck Be Consumed?

Geoduck can be considered part of a balanced diet with its high protein and low fat content; if it will be eaten raw, it is important that it be fresh and from a reliable source.

This information is general; geoduck is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Geoduck?

Good geoduck is alive (the siphon retracts when touched), its shell tightly closed, and it smells of the sea. Ones with a sharp-ammonia smell or a motionless siphon are not preferred.

• Should be alive; the siphon should retract slightly when touched
• Shell should be tightly closed
• Should smell fresh-oceanic, not ammonia-like

How Should Geoduck Be Stored?

If geoduck is bought alive, it should be consumed within 1-2 days, kept covered with a damp cloth in the refrigerator; it is among the seafood that spoils quickly.

Using Geoduck in the Kitchen

Geoduck is most often thinly sliced and eaten raw in sushi and sashimi, and also briefly blanched for use in soups and stir-fries; its siphon is peeled and sliced after being blanched.

How Is Geoduck Cleaned?

The meat separated from the shell is briefly dipped in boiling water and then transferred to cold water; this process allows the outer membrane of the siphon to be easily peeled off, after which it is thinly sliced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is geoduck eaten raw?

Yes; when fresh and from a reliable source, it is thinly sliced and consumed raw, sashimi-style.

Why is geoduck expensive?

Its harvesting and transport require special conditions, and its supply is limited; particularly high demand in East Asia drives up its price.

Is geoduck found in Turkey?

It is not common; the fresh form is almost never found, and it can be found in limited amounts through specialty seafood importers.