KNOW YOUR SCALLOPS

WHAT ARE SEA SCALLOPS?

A sea scallop is a type of bivalve mollusk that is highly valued for its sweet and delicate flavor. It has a soft body that is protected by two hinged shells, which are composed of calcium carbonate and lined with a layer of shiny mother-of-pearl.

As a bivalve mollusk, sea scallops belong to the family Pectinidae and are related to other shellfish such as clams and oysters. They are typically found in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Canada to the Mid-Atlantic states, and are harvested by fishermen using dredges.

The part of the sea scallop that is typically consumed is the adductor muscle, which is a large muscle that enables the scallop to open and close its shells!

WHY DON't WE EAT THE WHOLE SCALLOP?

Scallops are typically consumed in the United States as just the adductor muscle, which is the white, meaty portion. The roe and other organs are discarded at sea when they are shucked by the crew.

The entire scallop is edible, but in the US, it is advised to only eat the meat as other parts of the scallop may retain naturally occurring toxins that can lead to PSP or paralytic shellfish poisoning.

However, in some parts of the world, the whole scallop including the roe and other organs is enjoyed as a popular delicacy.

SHOULD YOU RINSE SCALLOPS BEFORE EATING?

No, you don't need to rinse our scallops before eating them. Our scallops are shucked and go through a saltwater rinse, which removes any sand, grit, or debris.

That being said, some people may still prefer to rinse their scallops before cooking or eating them, and that's totally fine. If you do choose to rinse your scallops, make sure to do so under cold running water and handle them gently to avoid damaging the delicate meat. It's also important to keep in mind that over-rinsing or soaking scallops can potentially affect their flavor and texture, so it's best to only rinse them briefly if needed.

CAN YOU EAT RAW SCALLOPS?

Yes, our scallops can 100% be eaten raw. They come fresh off the boat and we handle them with extreme care to maintain their high quality. While our scallops can be eaten raw, it's crucial to get them from a trusted source to ensure that they are handled properly and free of harmful bacteria or parasites. If you're not sure about the quality of the scallops or how they were handled, it's best to cook them thoroughly to eliminate any potential risks. 

WHAT ARE DAYBOAT SCALLOPS?

Scallops caught by smaller boats like ours are often referred to as "day-boat scallops". Caught in smaller quantities and with shorter times at sea, these scallops are held to a higher standard compared to their larger-scale counterparts. They are known for their exceptional quality due to the shorter time they spend in transit from the ocean to the dock.

 

If you’re a seafood lover looking for an incredibly fresh, sustainably sourced product, day-boat scallops are definitely worth trying. The unique taste of day-boat scallops makes them the perfect ingredient for an unforgettable meal. So don't hesitate – treat yourself to some delicious, sustainable day-boat scallops today!

WHERE DO SCALLOPS COME FROM?

Atlantic sea scallops are found in the deep ocean waters of the East Coast and Canada, typically living in groups called beds on the sea floor.

Sea scallops can be found in waters at depths ranging from 100 to over 300 feet, where they thrive in sandy or rocky parts of the sea floor. They are typically found in close proximity to one another, forming dense clusters that are often referred to as "beds". This close grouping provides them with protection from predators and also helps to keep them in place in areas with strong currents.

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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY

The best scallops to be found! F/V Isabel and Lilee consistently offer the freshest, most delicious scallops. We have tried many, but there is no doubt this is the best. This family-owned business is a treasure, one our family is very glad that we discovered.

KATHY ROCHEFORT

What a find! Getting deliciously fresh scallops regularly. These scallops are not like any other scallops we've ever had! They are like mini filet mignon from the sea! We get them often throughout our season on Cape Cod. We have tried many new recipes because of these tender scallops. The family who runs this business is so kind, and upbeat, it adds to the while experience.

JEFF GENTNER

I cannot say enough about the quality and service you get from ordering and picking up with F/V I+L. I've never had fresher sweeter scallops EVER!! I'm totally spoiled. Denice is a doll and makes it such a pleasure to pick up, and ordering is super easy.

CAROL COLECCHI