What New Zealand calls Queen Scallops are very similar to European Queen Scallops.
They will be sexually mature at 4 to 5 years of age; the target harvesting size is around 8 years old, and up to 2 1/2 to 3 inches (6 to 8 cm) across. The shell can be peach-coloured, yellowish or red .
They are found off the Otago coast of New Zealand’s south island, in a strip 300 miles (480 km) long and 500 feet (150 metres) deep.
They are harvested by dredging, and frozen whole right on the ships. They may be sold on commercially whole, or shucked after being frozen. Dealers such as Gordon Company International sell them whole, in shell.
Cooking Tips
Thaw under running water; only takes a few minutes.
The entire scallop can be eaten; not just the adductor muscle.
If cooking in the shell, scrub the shell well.
Can be served on the half-shell.
Language Notes
The Maori name for this type of scallop is “Tipa.”
Sources
Fabricant, Florence. Gift From the Sea: The Abundant Scallop. New York: New York Times. 21 March 1990.