Little Neck Clam
Mercenaria mercenaria
The smallest common market size of East Coast hard clams, Littlenecks are sweet, briny, and tender. They’re versatile enough to serve raw on the half shell, quickly steam, or toss into simple pastas and brothy dishes.
Range
Virginia to Prince Edward Island
Method of Capture
Farmed and Hydraulic Dredge
Seasonality
Year-round
Size Range
(1 inch= count neck ) (1.5 inches= little neck ) (2 inches= top neck ) (2.5 inches= cherry stone ) (3 inches= quahog)
Sustainability Consideration:
Hard clam aquaculture is widely regarded as one of the more sustainable forms of shellfish production:
- Clams are filter feeders that help clarify the water.
- Farming usually uses no added feed, fertilizer, or chemicals—the clams live on naturally occurring plankton.
- Well-managed farms and wild fisheries can maintain healthy beds over the long term.
All product must pass strict water-quality testing and shellfish sanitation rules before it reaches the market.
Flavor & Texture:
- Flavor: Bright, briny, and slightly sweet, with a clean ocean taste
- Texture: Tender but pleasantly firm, especially suited to raw and lightly cooked preparations
They’re a favorite for people who like a clam with good flavor but not too much chew.
Seafood Cooking Tips
Littlenecks are very versatile and cook quickly:
- Raw on the half shell – Serve ice-cold with lemon, mignonette, or a light sauce.
- Steam – Steam with white wine, garlic, herbs, and butter just until the shells open; serve with bread or over pasta.
- Grill – Place on a hot grill until they open, then top with herb butter, garlic, or breadcrumbs.
- Pasta & risotto – Steam first, then toss the meats and their strained liquor into simple pasta or rice dishes.
- Soup & chowder – Add chopped meats near the end of cooking so they stay tender.
Discard any clams that don’t open during cooking, and serve right away while they’re hot and juicy.
Want This On Your Menu or Table?
For current availability, pricing, and prep ideas, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help you decide what will work best for your menu or home kitchen.
