Soft Shell Clams include Steamers, Longnecks, Pacific Littlenecks and Butters. They grow in muddy coastal waters and tidal flats, and have thin shells that you can break with your hand.
Soft Shell Clams can’t close their shell completely, as they have a neck that pokes out. To see if they are still alive, poke their neck to see if they retract it.
They are not usually eaten raw.
Cooking Tips
Because Soft Shell Clams can’t close their shells completely, they tend particularly to have a lot of grit in them, and consequently need soaking first in water with some cornmeal in it.