Seafood is commonly consumed, and it is a delicious and healthy addition to any diet. However, if you are new to the seafood world, it can be difficult to know what is worth trying and when you should run for the hills.
Scallops definitely fall into the ‘worth trying’ category but many people have their preconceptions about what scallops taste like.
We’re here to put a stop to any rumors as we’ve compiled an ultimate guide on the textures and tastes of this delicious seafood. Let’s dive in!
What Are Scallops?
Scallops live in saltwater and are harvested from the ocean, making them seafood. They are a type of mollusk, but they come in a wide range of different colors, shapes, and sizes!
These mollusks are found in every corner of the world, anywhere that is under seawater. They can swim very well because they have lots of small eyes positioned all over their shells which help with their movement.
Scallops often are found hidden under rocks and reefs, but they will move to another location if they are disturbed.
What Do Scallops Taste Like?
Scallops have quite a surprising flavor. They are not too fishy, but you can detect a saltwater taste, especially if they have been sitting out for a while.
They are rich in flavor and are very light. They are most similar in flavor to lobster and crab, but they are much firmer to bite into and they can be quite chewy.
When you eat a scallop, you are eating the adductor muscle. This is the muscle that controls the opening and closing of the shell.
Scallops are often known as the ‘sea candy’ because they have a fairly sweet flavor in comparison to most other seafood.
What Is The Texture Of A Scallop Like?
Scallops have a very unique texture. They are firm, chewy, and soft all at the same time! They go very well in lots of meals because of this versatile texture.
What Flavor Are Scallops?
Depending on the way that the scallops are sourced and prepared, they can taste very different. In most cases, they will be cooked in a way that brings out their sweetness.
They should not have a fishy flavor. If they do, they have likely been left for too long and should not be eaten.
What Do Scallops Look Like?
Scallops have two shells and they swim around with the help of a central muscle. The shell of a scallop varies in color from light brown to pink while the inside of a scallop is pink, red, or orange.
When scallops are fresh, they will have a substance on them that is similar to sand. This is to prevent any sticky substances or slime from forming on their shells.
The shells of scallops are often added to collections because they are very bright and symmetrical.
Are Scallops Safe To Eat?
Scallops are considered to be a lot safer than other shellfish to eat. This is because, when you eat a scallop, you are only eating the muscle. This is much safer as you will not be consuming any of the body parts of the scallop.
How To Tell If Your Scallops Have Gone Bad
If your scallops have gone bad you will be able to tell through their smell and taste. They will taste very fishy, and have a slimy texture.
If you are considering trying some scallops, you should ensure that they have not gone bad before eating them.
If you can smell or taste any sign of fishiness, steer clear!
Benefits Of Scallops
Scallops are considered to be one of the most healthy seafood. They come with a large range of health benefits including many vitamins and minerals, and high levels of zinc. They are also beneficial because:
They Improve Heart Health
Scallops contain a large number of omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that reduce your risk of heart disease.
Scallops are also very high in magnesium which can lower your blood pressure, again improving heart health.
Prevent Strokes
Research has also shown that scallops contain fatty acids that reduce the blood clots that lead to a stroke.
The vitamin B12 in the scallops also reduces levels of harmful amino acids that can lead to strokes.
Weight Management
Scallops are very good for supporting weight loss. They contain lots of lean protein, which will help you to feel fuller for longer. Protein is also great for encouraging your metabolism.
Recovery
Studies also show that magnesium is very beneficial in kickstarting recovery. It will help to reduce muscle cramps and repair tissue meaning that your body will be able to repair itself more quickly.
Risks Of Scallops
With every good thing, there have to be some negatives, and scallops are no exception to this rule. Alongside these benefits, some risks come with consuming scallops, especially in high quantities. These include:
Allergies
While most people will not suffer from this, some people have an allergy to shellfish. If you have an allergy to any other members of the shellfish family, then avoid scallops at all costs!
If you experience any itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after eating seafood, get yourself to a doctor immediately! These allergies can be very serious, and you will need to be checked over.
Purine
Scallops are high in purine. This is a compound that can be risky to some people, being the cause of kidney stones in those who are sensitive to it.
While those who are not sensitive to purine are not at risk, it is still better to steer clear of eating too many scallops in case you have a reaction.
Heavy Metals
Research has found that heavy metals are sometimes found in scallops. These include mercury and lead. While the levels are low enough to be safe if you do not consume too many scallops, consuming high amounts can lead to health problems.
Shellfish Poisoning
Shellfish can carry bacteria that may cause food poisoning. This can cause diarrhea and stomach pain. Ensure that you buy good-quality scallops to avoid this problem.
Pregnancy Problems
It is recommended that pregnant women should not eat scallops or any other shellfish. This is because of the risk of dangerous bacteria that could be present in certain seafood.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the water of the seafood world, or you love to try anything under the sun, you now have a detailed guide to what scallops taste like. The taste may surprise you, so it is definitely worth a try!
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
