Conch

PRONOUNCED “CONK”, THE CONCH IS A LARGER ANIMAL THAN THE CLAM WITH DARKER MEAT. IF HARVESTED IN THE WILD THEY ARE NORMALLY FROZEN AND CHEWY, SO THE FRESH FARMED RAISED CONCH ARE SWEETER AND MORE TENDER. THE FLAVOR IS SWEET AND SOMEWHATE SMOKY AND LIKE A CLAM BUT CAN BE CRUNCHY. THEY HAVE A FOOT WHICH HAS A COVERING CALLED AN OPERCLUM THAT IS USED TO DRAG THEM ALONG THE OCEAN FLOOR. THIS NEEDS TO BE REMOVED PRIOR TO COOKING. THIS ANIMAL IS CONSIDERED ENDANGERED AND HARVESTING IS BANNED IN THE UNITED STATES. THE MAJOR PRODUCERS ARE FOUND IN THE CARRIBBEAN.