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Variegated Scallops
(Chlamys varies)
scallops are bivalve mollusks which are often confused with scallops. Learn about the Differences between zamburiña and volandeira
What are and Characteristics of Scallops?
Scallops are bivalve mollusks , similar to scallops , found on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, especially in Spain ( mainly off the coasts of Galicia and Asturias ) and Portugal. They have tender flesh and a delicate flavor, and are prepared in various ways, such as grilled, pan-fried, or in stews.
This shellfish is caught during practically all months of the year and lives in the northeast Atlantic Ocean.
The scallop usually lives at shallow depths and is often found attached to rocks, large algae, or stones.
The length that a scallop reaches varies between 4 and 7 centimeters in its adult age.
There is no single color common to the entire species; they can be found in reddish, whitish, orange, with yellowish, pinkish, or brown spots. The pattern is also not unique; they can have shades, stripes, or irregular shadows.
Physically, a scallop is a solid shell with an oval or rounded shape, except for its ear. The ears are small appendages located at the end of the shell, and what distinguishes the scallop from other similar mollusks is that it only has one ear.
The surface of the scallop is rough, composed of up to 30 distinct lines and can have a ridged texture. Its valves are connected by an elastic ligament that allows them to open and close. This mechanism aids its movement.
Inside the shell are the gonads, which are cream or beige in color, small but store a great flavor.
Scallops are hermaphrodites and reproduce in the water, where they expel both eggs and sperm for fertilization. The larvae grow and develop until they mature and attach to the bottom, where they begin their adult stage.
Until maturity, scallops are male, but they will change sex several times during their life.
Scallops feed on plankton; they filter water through their gills and expel the particles they do not need.
This mollusk is abundant throughout the year, so it's not a problem to buy it at any time. It's a plentiful species, and although it may seem very cheap, it commands high prices due to the time it takes to catch it.
In addition, scallops are highly valued in gastronomy for their rich, mild and delicate flavor.
One of the most typical dishes made with this seafood is grilled scallops with a touch of lemon and parsley.
PREMIUM QUALITY
There are not many types of scallop, although they vary slightly in flavor and color depending on their habitat.
One of the best-known varieties is the Galician scallop , caught off the northern coast of Spain, and considered the scallop with the best flavor. Its meat is soft and delicate.
Another very similar variant is the French scallop , which is slightly less elongated and has more orange and brown colors.
The zamburiña should not be confused with the volandeira, they are two different mollusks despite their great similarity.
Nutritional values
Scallops are a very healthy seafood, with balanced nutritional values and suitable for a healthy and balanced diet.
It is composed mainly of proteins and has hardly any carbohydrates or fats.
About 100 grams of scallops have 20 kcal, making them a very low-calorie food.
In addition, scallops contain vitamins A and B, and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and potassium, which are essential and beneficial for health.
In the following table you can see an approximation of the nutritional information for scallops:
Nutritional Information | By 100g |
Energetic value | 375kJ / 89kcal |
Fats | 1,4g |
Saturated fatty acids | 0,4g |
Carbohydrates | 0g |
Sugars | 0g |
Proteins | 19g |
Sal Island | 0,7g |
Habitat
Scallops inhabit the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, usually in shallow areas close to large rocks or stones. They typically live in cold waters.
There are different variants of the scallop, such as the Galician or the French, depending on the area where they live.
This shellfish can reach depths of up to 100 meters and lives freely, floating and moving through the water. Although, as mentioned before, they are most commonly found near the surface, attached to rocks.
In Spain, they are fished off the coasts of Galicia and Asturias, where they are a key ingredient in the local cuisine. However, several experiments have been conducted to try to breed scallops off the southern coast of Spain, in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea.
Less commonly, scallops can be found attached to algae and shell debris, or on sandy bottoms.
Season and Fishing Gear
Scallop Fishing Season
The scallop fishing season begins in September and ends in May , covering almost the entire year.
It's not a rare product, nor is it a product of specific seasons, as it can also be found in the summer months, but it's not the most recommended or optimal.
During the summer months, it is often caught by hand, which increases its usual price.
How to fish for scallops
Scallops are caught using fishing dredges, either by hand or with a rake , the same type used to catch other mollusks like scallops. Less frequently, mussel rafts are used.
Over the years, in Galicia, scallop fishing has been done traditionally, using small rakes or by hand. This is the method that works best and offers the best results, as the scallop is preserved whole and in better condition.
Fishing trawls are nets placed on the seabed that can catch large quantities of fish.
After fishing, it is important to put the scallops through a cleaning process to remove any broken ones, and to clean off any sand and stones they may have brought in.
And if you want to cook this seafood at home, try our recipe for baked scallops.
Recipes using this Galician mollusk
Grilled scallops
Frequently Asked Questions about Scallops
Scallops and scallops are two mollusks that look very similar physically, and are also caught in nearby areas, but they differ greatly in taste and texture.
The differences between scallops and clams are mainly due to their size, color and flavor.
A scallop is much smaller than a queen scallop, and its colors are grayer on the outside and whitish on the inside. A scallop is more striking because of its size and orange colors.
The flavor of scallops is more delicate, tasty and mild, and they also have a higher price compared to the scallop.
When we see something red inside the shell, it is the gonad, which is the interior and the product that is eaten from these mollusks.
However, if the gonad is red, it is not a scallop, but a queen scallop.
The color of the gonad of the scallop is beige, not red or orange.
Scallops feed on plankton, which is found in water particles.
Like other mollusks, they have a water filtration system in their gills, and food particles pass into the mouth through the labial palps. The remaining filtered particles that are not needed are expelled.
