Okay, so it was my wife’s birthday last week and I had planned on grilling steak and chicken. But the guest list started to grow, so I needed some additional filler to round out the main dishes.
No sweat, this is the Pacific Northwest! We always have an abundance of yummy foodstuff hanging around the waters of Hood Canal. For this occasion, I thought a big pot of freshly steamed native Littleneck Clams would fit the bill nicely.
Fortunately, we have a number of easily accessible beaches in which to find our delicious bounty.
First thing, you’ll want to select which beach you plan to dig at. The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife has a nice mapping program that identifies area beaches and their relevant regulations. Be mindful of the appropriate ‘season’ or time of year that each beach is open and clamming is allowed. Also be aware of beaches that are closed due to health concerns.
Second, check your local tide schedule. The best clamming is always during low tide, preferably a minus tide. I use the tide tables at SaltwaterTides.com. Just scroll down to the specific area within the Puget Sound, then enter the particular date you’re going to go dig. I usually try to get out to the beach about an hour before the peak of low tide.
Personally I prefer the Littleneck Clams. They steam up easily and taste incredible dipped in drawn butter. When you steam your clams, throw in some butter, parsley, chopped garlic, and white wine. The broth is almost as good as the clams!
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and SOUNDBITEBLOG, or email at rich@windermere.com
