8 gallons

There are about 13-18 steamer clams per quart. In other areas, steamer clams are sold by the pound. Each pound contains 8-12 clams.

If you are buying littlenecks, there are approximately 400 clams per bushel. If you are buying topnecks, there are approximately 200 clams per bushel. If you are buying cherrystones, there will be 150 clams per bushel. If you are buying chowders, there are 100 clams in a bushel.

12-15 clams

►Health Benefits & Risks All clams are low in fat and calories and are an excellent source of selenium, iron, and vitamin B12. Clams are a good source of zinc and contain omega-3 fatty acids.

If you are wondering how many clams to serve, we recommend about 1/2 pound per person (appetizer) or approximately 1 pound per person (main).

Clams offer nutritional benefits, but eating too many may be harmful. Clams’ health risks include high cholesterol, consuming with too much butter, eating raw clams and having an allergic reaction.

Most experts recommend soaking the clams in salted water (in the refrigerator!) from an hour to overnight. Simply add salt to fresh water: “Make it taste like sea water,” says Peterson. “You’ll find a bunch of sand at the bottom of the bucket the following morning.” Once rinsed, you’re ready to steam, shuck and enjoy.

If you are buying cherrystones, there will be 150 clams per bushel. If you are buying chowders, there are 100 clams in a bushel….How much does a bushel of clams cost?

Changes In the Steamer Market The steamer market is a textbook example of Economics 101 — prices go up because demand outpaces supply, and this season, it was no different. However, a number of key market changes put more pressure on supply than usual, which drove prices abnormally higher than expected.

Each year, the California Department of Health quarantines mussels and advises the public to refrain from eating other types of invertebrates, including clams, harvested from certain areas along the coast. Eating invertebrates that contain high levels of domoic acid can cause sickness or even death in humans.

Clams are available year-round for farmers. Wild varieties are available from October through June.

Clams are available year-round for farmers. Wild varieties are available from October through June. There are a wide variety of clams available on the West Coast including razor clams and geoducks.