Razor Clams
Known by many names
For short, we refer to our Scottish razor clams simply as "razors". However, they are known by many other names. Depending on who you speak to, they may be called "razorfish", "razorshell", "common razor", or "pod razor". Some people also call them giant razor due to their size. In Singapore, they are called "bamboo clams". Colloquially, they are also known as "spoot" in some parts of Scotland.
Then there are other types of razor clams, such as the Atlantic razor clam and the Arctic razor clam but these are a different species to our Scottish razor clam. To make sure we all talk about the same thing, we rely on the latin name of the razor clams found in Scotland: Ensis siliqua.
As sweet as a mermaid's kiss
Razor clams have a firm texture, falling somewhere between that of a scallop and a squid. They have both tender and chewy parts which adds a special dimension to a seafood dish. The flesh is succulent, sweet, with a mild brininess. Serious Eats describes the taste of razor clams as "exceptionally clean-tasting, a little saline, just a passing hint of sweetness, as if you were kissing a mermaid." You can't argue with that!
Size matters
What makes the razor clams in Scotland so special? Our razor clams - Ensis Siliqua - are some of the biggest razor clams you can find. They can grow up to a stunning 20cm!
Photo source: Researchgate
Nutritional value
Razor Clams are good for you!
Lean source of protein
Rich in minerals
Calcium, Iron, Phorphorus
Rich in vitamins
B12, B1
Omega-3 fatty acids
Razor clams have also been found to possess cancer-preventing properties, as well as sexual health qualities.
Home is where the firm sand is
Razor clams can be found all the way from Scandinavia down to the Mediterranean, but especially around Scotland and Ireland. They live buried in the sand, usually around the low tide mark and on the seabed at depths of up to 60m.
Sustainability
Harvesting of razor clams is heavily regulated in Scotland with only a number of fisherman licensed to do so. There are strict quotas in place, prescribing how many razor clams a boat can land on a single day. This ensures that stock levels remain at a sustainable level.
All our razor clams are hand caught. Our divers swim down to the seabed to collect them by hand. This method of fishing is is environmentally friendly and has a minimal impact on the marine environment.
Packing and Shipping
Our razor clams are packaged with the utmost care to ensure they arrive in the best shape possible. We pack them in 23kg boxes, containing 23 bundles of 1kg. To keep the razor clams cool and moist, we add ice packs to each box.
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Where to find us
Coastal Shellfish, Unit 1 Troon Fishmarket, Harbour Road, Troon, KA10 6DH Scotland, UK
Coastal Shellfish is a trading name of Coastal Diving & Marine Services Ltd, a company registered in Scotland SC341492. Coastal Shellfish is a trademark of Coastal Diving & Marine Services Ltd. Registered office: Unit 1 Troon Fishmarket, Harbour Road, Troon KA10 6DH.