Heaven on the Half Shell
Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined and most of it is virtual wilderness. In fact, most Alaska shellfish farms are located in sites classified as remote with no human habitation or industrial activities located within miles. While about half of the waters in other major shellfish harvesting of the U.S. have had harvest limitations imposed because of public health concerns, Alaska has no prohibited or restricted growing areas. While product confidence is vital, the best reason to buy Alaska's farmed shellfish is that they are simply heaven on the half shell.
Our shellfish feed in the icy cold, pure Alaska waters, and are the closest thing to experiencing the splendor of the Alaska wilderness. Our shellfish are available year-round just a jet away from your doorstep. Alaska oysters are firm, full and deep-cupped. Alaska littleneck clams have a long shelf-life, crisp texture and are very flavorful, and our mussels are fat and succulent.
The defining quality of filter-feeding shellfish might be that they are what they eat. Most shellfish in the marketplace come from regions where there are many potential sources of pollutants. Consider the impact on water quality from hundreds of thousands of people, industrial discharges, runoff from industrial farms, etc., and then think of life in the rich, pure waters of Alaska's coas
tal wilderness.
At a time of increasing concern about the safety of eating raw shellfish, consumers can eat Alaska oysters and clams with confidence. FDA officials recognize the state's shellfish sanitation as one of the best in the country, and its sampling program for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.
Alaska oysters are individually handled and as a result they are uniformly shaped, with deep cups and plump meats, products ideal for serving on the half shell. A sweet aftertaste common to Alaska oysters comes from the extra stores of glycogen (an animal fat that turns to a simple sugar as needed by the body) generated by shellfish which lead such a coddled life.
Farming giant geoduck clams in Alaska holds great promise and a number of new farms are currently under development in the southernmost region of the state. Geoduck are the world’s largest burrowing clams (averaging about 3-4 pounds) and are one of the world’s most valuable seafood products. The first harvests of geoducks from Alaska farms are expected in the near fuuture.
Another species certain to add to the appeal of Alaska's farmed shellfish crops is the purple-hinged rock scallop. This scallop has a unique flavor and texture a
nd is considered one of the tastiest in any ocean. However, consumers aren't like to have the opportunity to sample purple hinged rock scallops in the near future. The industry is still experimenting with growing methods, processing and packaging techniques, and analyzing economic feasibility.
The Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery in Seward also is working with razor clams and cockles, and is collaborating with the University of Alaska, National Marine Fisheries Services, industry and communities on exploring the feasibility of raising king crab to enhance depressed crab stocks.
