What are Scallops? Species and Nutrients
A Scallop can be any type of Clam. The correct wording for these types of sea creatures is “Bivalve Mollusk”. This refers to creatures whose exterior shell has two parts and a hinge while the creature has a lateral body1.
Scallops are a healthy food that comes out of the Ocean. They are normally found in cold water but can be found all over the world. They prefer shallow waters but can be harvested up to 180 to 210 meters deep. Some Scallops can be found at around 400 meters but this is rare.
Species of Scallops
You get different species of Scallop2. Some are more common in some areas and vice versa. In North America, the most commonly consumed species are the “bay Scallop” and the “Alaskan deep-sea Scallop”. If you are from that region, chances are, that is what you have been eating.
Let’s take a look at some other Scallops:
- The Great Scallop: Found mostly in the North-East Atlantic.
- The Bay Scallop: Found mostly in the northwest Atlantic and is the most common Scallop in North America ((Florida State University: Bay Scallops in Florida Seagrass Beds)).
- The Queen Scallop: A small and colorful Scallop that is found 400 meters deep in the North Sea.
- The Noble Scallop: Another small and colorful Scallop that is very popular in Japan.
- The Chlamys Varia: This Scallop is found in the North Sea, Atlantic, Red sea and the English channel.
- The pecten Jacobaeus: I had to include this Scallop as it is found in the Mediterranian ocean which makes it pretty rare.
Scallop Nutrients
Scallops are rich with protein, low in calories and fat so they are a great food for people who are watching their weight3.
Two large or 5 small scallops contain the following nutrients:
- Protein: 10% DV
- Selenium: 10% DV
- Vitamin B12: 8% DV
- Phosphorus: 7% DV
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 64.5 mg
- Calories: 26
Is it Safe to Eat Scallops?
If you are not allergic to shellfish or seafood in general then Scallops should be perfectly safe. If you are unsure, I recommend consulting your doctor.
Seafood like Muscles and Scallops have been found to have mercury in them. This is regardless of whether they are farm-raised or wild caught. The Mercury is caused by pollution and at this point, can’t really be escaped.
If you have any questions to ask me about this article don’t hesitate to comment below or email us. You can find an email on our contact page.
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