If you're looking for a way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your dishes, sea-shell foods, or shellfish, may be just what you need.
Most people think of sea shells as beautiful beach decorations, which they are, however, they are much more than just that! Many types of shellfish are nutritional powerhouses that can be used in a variety of recipes, although many people do have allergies to seafood, so it's not for everybody.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the different types of shellfish, their health benefits and potential dangers, and how to pick out good shellfish when buying some from the market for your next meal.
What is Shellfish & How is it Prepared for Eating?
Shellfish is a type of seafood that has a shell (basically a marine animal with a shell) and is harvested in salt water such as the ocean, and freshwater including lakes and streams.
They are divided into two groups called crustaceans and mollusks, and the United States has just about every variety that you would want to eat.
Crustacean seafood examples:
Crustaceans have jointed legs, and a hard shell and they don't have a backbone. Not every crustacean has a name that would be recognized but examples of more popular ones include crab (including King crab with large claws), crayfish, lobster, prawns, and shrimp.
Mollusk seafood examples:
Mollusks typically (but not always) have shells with a hinge, and examples of this shellfish include clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, and scallops; and also types of octopus, snails, and squid.
How do people eat shellfish?
Shellfish is available in markets and stores everywhere, however, some shellfish is more common (and often more readily available) in some parts of the country than others. For example, lobster is really popular in the Northeast, while shrimp is more popular in the South of the US.
Shellfish is usually steamed (our household favorite method!), fried, baked, grilled, or sautéed until partially or fully cooked, and some shellfish such as oysters and clams are often eaten raw (they can be opened with a clam knife or other sharp knife with the proper technique)! Shellfish is versatile and can also be used in stir fries, soups, stews, salads, and a variety of other dishes too.
Depending on how it is prepared, seashell food flavors are quite unique and range from sweet flavor (such as lobster tail), and salty to briny, and can be quite a mild flavor and subtle through to very intense. The texture can be from delicate (as it's a tender meat), to tough and rubbery if overcooked (which is unfortunately quite easy to do).
Before cooking, it's important to clean the shells thoroughly. Scrub them with a brush under running water until they're free of any dirt or debris.
When prepping shellfish, don't be scared to try different herbs and spices such as chives, dill, lemongrass, mint, and parsley, and also garlic, chili, lemon and white wine help enhance the flavors.
Seafood is best when it's cooked just until opaque in the center, and don't forget to serve and eat your shellfish meal as soon as it's cooked for best results!
The Health Benefits & Potential Dangers of Seafood
Shellfish, this delicious and nutritious food offers a variety of health benefits that are worth considering the next time you're looking for something new to add to your diet, however, it can also have some drawbacks, which we explore below.
Some health benefits of shellfish
Shellfish is rich in lean protein, minerals, and healthy fats too. It is well known (and has been well researched) that a regular feed of fresh shellfish can improve immunity, help with weight loss, and enhance your heart and brain power.
Shellfish is also a good source of calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients.
Some examples of health benefits for some of the more popular shellfish of oysters, clams and mussels include:
- Protein, which is important for body growth and development (and for building and maintaining muscle mass and repairing tissue).
- Antioxidants, which assist with slowing down the damage caused by unstable molecules in the body (called free radicals) that can damage cells.
- Zinc, which does a lot for the body, with some examples being helping the immune system work properly, healing wounds, and keeping skin healthy.
- Vitamin B12, which is great for the production of energy and preventing anemia, cardiovascular disease and potentially dementia.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health, brain functioning, and boosting joint health.
Potential dangers of shellfish
While shellfish is amazing, it is unfortunately a food that it's quite common to be allergic to. Some people may be allergic to crustaceans or mollusks, however, those with allergies to shellfish are typically allergic to both. For people with food allergies, it often shows up when they are children, however with shellfish it often doesn't show until adulthood.
Some allergic reactions to shellfish may include vomiting and diarrhea, stomach cramps, and swelling around the mouth and in the throat. It's safest to avoid raw or undercooked shellfish during pregnancy,
Additionally, some shellfish may contain heavy metals that can build up in your body and cause health issues, and others (such as razor clams) can cause health problems if eaten regularly over a period of time.
Also, if you eat a bad shellfish you'll know about it, so follow the steps in the next section of the blog to reduce the chance of getting something that's off.
How to Find the Perfect Sea Shell Food for your Dish
Whether you're making a coastal-inspired dish or simply want to add a unique garnish, sea shells can be the perfect finishing touch. But with so many different types of shells available, how can you choose the right one for your dish?
When it comes to choosing shellfish, it depends on what you're looking for in terms of flavor, texture, and appearance. By following these tips, you'll be able to find the perfect shellfish for your next meal:
- Look for shells that are whole and intact (still closed). Avoid ones that have cracks or chips, or are partially open as these could harbor bacteria.
- Check the size of the shell. Smaller shells are delicate and can be more easily broken, making them better suited for soups and sauces. Medium-sized shells have a bit more substance and are ideal for stews and casseroles, or for eating on their own as a side dish or main. Large shells are the most robust and can stand up to heartier dishes like chili and curries and can also be great side or main dishes depending on how they are prepared.
- Give it a whiff! Trust your nose - if a shell smells bad, it probably is. You don't want to risk eating spoiled seafood, so give bad-smelling shellfish a pass.
- Give it a visual once-over. Make sure the exterior of the shell is clean and free of debris, although for some like mussels, it's quite common for grime and debris to have built up and you will need to give them a bit of a scrub before cleaning (we use a knife to knock bits and scrape them, and follow up with steel wool, rinsing well).
- If you're not sure how to select the freshest seafood, ask the server (or ideally fishmonger) for advice.
Now that you know how to pick out the perfect sea-shell food, all that's left to do is prepare and enjoy your meal!
To Sum Up
Shellfish are vessels for delicious and nutritious food that's high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy option for those looking to improve their diet, but they don't come without some risks that you need to be aware of.
Next time you're looking for something new to try in the kitchen, think about some of the tips highlighted in this blog to elevate your seafood game and go get some fresh shellfish - you might just be surprised at how delicious they can be!
