The Cherrystone Clam, also known as Mercenaria mercenaria, is a species of clam found along the coast of the United States. Its name is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈʧɛriˌstoʊn klæm/. "Cherrystone" comes from the village of Cherrystone on Virginia's eastern shore, where the clam is commonly harvested. These clams are larger than littleneck or topneck clams, making them a popular choice for dishes like clam chowder and stuffed clams.
Cherrystone clam is a species of edible clam scientifically known as Mercenaria mercenaria, belonging to the family Veneridae. It is primarily found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Canada to Florida, and is commonly harvested for its culinary uses.
The cherrystone clam is characterized by its hard shell, which is thick and usually measures about 3 inches in length. The exterior of the shell is gray or brownish in color and may have growth rings or ridges. Inside the shell, the clam has two separate shells connected by a hinge, with a distinct muscle that holds them together.
This type of clam is highly sought after for its succulent and tender meat, which is considered a delicacy in seafood cuisine. It is frequently used in various dishes such as clam chowder, clams casino, pasta dishes, and stews. The cherrystone clam has a slightly sweet, briny flavor that blends well with other ingredients and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
In terms of sustainability, cherrystone clams are known for their ability to filter water by consuming microscopic algae, which contributes to maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem. They are typically harvested by a process called clam digging, using rakes or shovels to extract them from the sand or mud in shallow waters. As a popular seafood item, cherrystone clams are regulated by fisheries management to ensure their conservation and prevent overfishing.
The word "cherrystone clam" is derived from a combination of two terms: "cherrystone" and "clam".
The term "cherrystone" refers to a specific size grade of clams. It originated in the United States in the mid-19th century and was commonly used to classify clams based on their size. The size gradation of clams includes several categories such as littleneck, cherrystone, and topneck. These terms were initially used to distinguish various sizes of clams for culinary purposes.
The word "clam" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled as "clām". The term was then borrowed from Old English into Middle English, preserving its meaning as a shellfish belonging to the bivalve mollusk family.