Geoduck: Difference between revisions
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<b>Industry</b> |
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In 1970, the first geoduck fishery in the world was created, but demand for the semi-forgotten clam was low. Today, they sell in Asia for up to US$30 a pound. The clam, like [[abalone]] is highly regarded in chinese cuisine. |
In 1970, the first geoduck fishery in the world was created, but demand for the semi-forgotten clam was low. Today, they sell in Asia for up to US$30 a pound. The clam, like [[abalone]] is highly regarded in chinese cuisine. |
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Their value has helped the geoduck fishery become the most closely regulated fishery in the United States. It has become a US$40 million-a-year industry. Department of Natural Resources staff are on the water continually, monitoring harvests. |
Their value has helped the geoduck fishery become the most closely regulated fishery in the United States. It has become a US$40 million-a-year industry. Department of Natural Resources staff are on the water continually, monitoring harvests. |
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Revision as of 15:22, 9 May 2004
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The geoduck (Panopea abrupta or Panope generosa) is not a duck at all, but a mollusc, a species of large saltwater clam, also called the king clam, horse clam, Pacific geoduck clam or the elephant trunk clam.
Native to the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States and Canada, specifically Washington and British Columbia, the geoduck (pronounced "GOO-wee-duck") is the largest burrowing clam in the world, weighing in at anywhere from one to there pounds at maturity. The appearance of geoduck's large, protruding siphon has led to the mistaken belief that the geoduck has properties of an aphrodisiac.
The geoduck has a life expectancy of up to 150 years with the oldest recorded at 163 years. Scientists speculate that the geoduck’s longevity is the result of low wear and tear. A geoduck sucks in plankton, spits out the refuse and, periodically, ejects sperm or eggs. That’s about it, unless it happens to fall prey to one of its few predators. In Alaska, sea otters and dogfish have proved able to dislodge an adult geoduck, and sea stars can grab an unwary siphon and slowly nibble away at it.
Geoducks are broadcast spawners. A female geoduck produces about 5 billion eggs in her 100-plus years - in comparison, a woman produces about 500 viable eggs. No surprise that clams are purported to have aphrodisiac qualities.
Industry
In 1970, the first geoduck fishery in the world was created, but demand for the semi-forgotten clam was low. Today, they sell in Asia for up to US$30 a pound. The clam, like abalone is highly regarded in chinese cuisine. This is due to its large, meaty siphon is prized for its incredibly sweet flavour and crunchy texture. Extremely popular in Hong Kong, China and Japan, where it is considered a rare taste treat, Geoduck is mostly eaten cooked in a fondue-style Chinese hot pot or raw sashimi style, dipped in soy sauce and wasabi. On Japanese menus, Geoduck is called mirugai.
Their value has helped the geoduck fishery become the most closely regulated fishery in the United States. It has become a US$40 million-a-year industry. Department of Natural Resources staff are on the water continually, monitoring harvests.