Rail clams

Rail clams

Rail clams they are mollusks well known for their delicious taste. It is considered a delicacy for those who can afford it. They are bivalves that live in fresh water and have characteristics that differentiate them from sea clams. In this article we are going to let you know everything related to this species.

Do you want to know why they are priced so high and what are their most important features? Read on to find out.

Key features

Characteristics of rail clams

Rail clam shells are quite hard and are composed of calcium carbonate. On the surface of the clam we can find the radii and radial lines that make them different from other clam species. There are parts of the shell where the lines are quite pronounced and when they cross each other they give rise to grids. These characteristics make them perfectly different from other clams.

As we have seen in other articles, each species has something unique that makes them special and different from the others. If we compare it with the surface of the slimy clam, we can see that it is much smoother. In it we cannot differentiate the spokes well as in the rail clams.

In other species of clam we find clams with oval valves. However, the leaflets of rail clams are rounded and have a ligament that is made up of a protein with elastic characteristics. It is known as a kind of teeth and channels that make these valves move from the upper to the lower shell so that the body of the clam cannot be exposed to danger.

Although they have the characteristics of other clams, the shell is quite thin. It has the typical lump in the dorsal area called the umbo. In terms of color, it also differs from other clams. Generally, any clam has a color that ranges from the darkest gray to the lightest gray with a few brown spots. However, rail clams have a cream-like coloration. It is as if it were a color between yellow and brown. It also has some darker brands.

Cultivation of rail clams

rail clam farming

In order to consume this exquisite delicacy, artisanal aquaculture parks are used where rail clams are cultivated. The cultivation is done in different ways. The park owners can go on foot collecting the clams or they can use a boat if the number is too large.

For the collection, a special rake is used that is able to remove the sand from the bottom and collect the delicious bivalve. The rake has the tips separated so that they can select the ones that are of a good size to be considered as adults. It is a traditional activity that has more than 500 years of history and that persists over time. This is thanks to the culture that is inherited from generation to generation, as well as its high productivity.

The specialists are in charge not only of transmitting the experience in the cultivation of rail clams, but also of the love and professionalism with which it should be done. Although it seems something too artisan and backward in time, currently Some 650 families live thanks to the cultivation of rail clams.

The park owners also represent one of the first economic activities of Vilagarcía de Arousa. And it is that this clam is considered the most expensive in the world since the last 10 years. Some 3200 tonnes have been produced per year, which is equivalent to more than 16 million euros on average per year. These clams have outsold other clams, slugs and Japanese.

Requirements in cultivation

cultivation of rail clams in pontevedra

These clams require certain requirements for planting. Among these requirements we find good care of the funds. In order to be able to collect these bivalves well and that they can develop correctly, it is necessary to remove algae from all over the ground. It is also necessary to control all the natural predators that this mollusk has.

To increase the oxygenation of the substrate and that the clams can get oxygen for respiration more easily, a bottom plow technique is used. This is how the juvenile specimens are sown, alternating them at different depths so that they have a good stream of water.

When the clams grow to the perfect size considered commercially, the clams are harvested with traditional hoes or rakes. There are several towns whose main source of income is the sale of rail clams. In itself, it is not only because of the sale of clams, but because of the importance they have on a cultural and tourist level and for all their popularity. It is as if these clams were the center of attraction for the entire town and its economy moved around them.

The cultivation of the rail clam is recognized around the world due to the delicious taste of them. We may be talking about the richest clams you can ever taste. The parks where they are grown are very competitive and famous for having a higher production than other clams. This is due to the good price it has around the world.

Beneficial properties

properties of rail clams

It is not only the best clam in the world in terms of flavor and the most expensive, but also a shellfish with the lowest level of fat there is. So it only has 47 calories per 100 grams of products. It is one of the seafood most chosen by people who want to continue enjoying the good taste despite following a diet.

It also has a large amount of minerals and vitamins. We meet with vitamin B3 and A and the minerals iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium. All of these vitamins and minerals help supplement the nutritional needs to be healthy.

I hope that with this information you can get to know these delicious clams better. Have you heard of them before?


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