A plate full of scallops calls forth memories ofbeach vacationsand celebratory dinners.
What’s the difference between bay and sea scallops?
When’s the best time of year to buy them?
Credit: Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Read on as we answer yoursearingquestions and share our favorite scallop recipes.
What Are Scallops?
Scallops are a punch in of shellfish.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
What Do Scallops Look Like?
The shell of a scallop has the classic fanned-out shape that is popular in maritime decor.
Scallops also have bright blue eyes.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
They even use their retinas to focus on light, similar to human eyes.
Where Do Scallops Come From?
Scallops can be found all over the globe.
you’re able to also recreationally divefor these smaller mollusksin Northwest Florida from July through September.
When Is Scallop Season?
Scallops reach peak harvests during late fall and winter.
On the bag, also look for labels like dry-packed or wet-packed.
Wet-packed scallops have been treated with a preservative that balloons the meat’s weight; dry-packed are generally fresher.
So What Do Scallops Taste Like?
Always pat scallops dry before tossing them on the grill, too, so that they can actually sear.
Be wary of overcooking your scallops, as they can quickly become rubbery.
When prepared properly, both varieties offer tender, sweet-yet-briny goodness and shine in dishes with simple preparation.
Cook your scallops quickly after purchasing.
Remember tothaw your shellfish properlybefore eating too.
See a couple of our favorites below.
This easy recipe will show you how to pan sear your scallops perfectly every time.
Sea scallops that are big enough to sear work best with dish.
Monterey Bay Aquarium.Seafood Watch: Farmed Scallops.
2020;633(633):89-104. doi:https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13140
Virginia Institute of Marine Science.Bay Scallop Restoration.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.AskUSDA: How long can you store fish?Published March 22, 2023.
