Identification of live and dead scallops

When we choose scallops, we will find that the prices of scallops are high and low. People who don’t understand may think that there is no difference, but there is always a reason for the low price. For example, some scallops are dead and the taste is not as good as live scallops, so the price will be cheaper. Therefore, when choosing, we must be able to distinguish which are live scallops and which are dead scallops, so that we will not waste money and can still eat delicious scallops.

How to identify live and dead scallops:

① First, you should choose scallops with a relatively uniform and shiny shell color and uniform size. Do not choose too small ones, otherwise they will have little edible value due to the small amount of meat. Then see if the shell is open. Live scallops will close under the influence of external forces, and those that cannot close after opening are dead scallops and cannot be used.

②Wild scallops are usually larger in size, with smooth shells and lighter color. They look cleaner and have clear patterns. Most of them are Dalian scallops, also known as Hawaiian scallops or ground scallops.

③ Farmed scallops are usually small in size, with rough shells and many small pits on the back. They are dark in color, have a lot of mud on their bodies, and have unclear patterns. Farmed scallops are also called cage scallops, which are scallops farmed in the deep sea using cages.

Scallops have high nutritional value, but some people are not suitable for eating them. Seafood is generally cold in nature, so people with poor stomachs should not eat too much.

④Take out your hands and clap. When selecting scallops, if the shell is open, tap it with your hand and the shell closes automatically, then it is alive; if it does not close, then it is dead; in addition, scallops with tightly closed shells are generally alive. At this time, you should smell the odor. If there is no fishy smell, then it is generally alive. It may also be dead, but it has not died long ago and still retains freshness. When we buy scallops, there is a situation that the scallops are very dirty and full of mud. In fact, this kind of scallops is better. Because scallops are not easy to keep alive after spitting out the mud, those with mud and sand are fresher.

How to store scallops

⑤ Fresh scallops are not suitable for long-term storage in the refrigerator. It is best to put them in clean water and cook them as soon as possible after the scallops have spit out all the mud and sand. If you really need to preserve them, don't wash the scallops first. Apply salt on their surface, then wrap them with plastic wrap and freeze them in the refrigerator. They can be preserved for a long time.