Clam Soft Shell

THESE CLAMS ARE FOUND IN MAINE, CAPE COD, AND MARYLAND. THEY ARE VERY GRITTY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMED RAW. THE SHELL WILL BE BRITTLE AND SHOULD BE WHOLE AND CLEAN WHILE THE SIPHON WILL PROTRUDE FROM THE SHELL. FOR THIS REASON, THESE CLAMS WILL NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY AND THIS SHORTENS THE SHELF LIFE. THE DARK MEMBRANE ON THE SIPHON MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE EATING. THE TASTE OF A SOFT-SHELL CLAM IS A BIT SALTY.