Why scallops should be your next culinary delight

Scallops, or St. James mussels, have a delicate, slightly sweet taste and a refined aroma. Even people who generally do not like seafood eagerly reach for this delicacy. Why should you pay attention to them?

Shrimp, lobsters, oysters, and octopuses are immensely popular worldwide, including scallops hiding in their characteristic ribbed shells. In ancient times, scallops symbolized beauty and taste—legend says that the goddess Venus emerged from sea foam on such a shell. We rarely indulge in this delicacy. That's understandable, given that scallops do not naturally occur here. Nevertheless, it's worth expanding your culinary horizons and discovering why scallops are delicacies.

Edible scallops are a species of bivalve mollusk from the Pectinidae family, classified as seafood. They are known as "St. James mussels," referring to the pilgrimages to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. This place is considered the resting place of the apostle James, and pilgrims traveling there nourished themselves with easily accessible and cheap scallops. Over time, they became considered a luxury product, appreciated for their exquisite taste.

The main scallop harvesting locations are the coasts of France, Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Canada. To protect the scallop population, harvests are strictly controlled from October to May. In some countries, like Norway, mussels are farmed on marine farms, allowing year-round availability.

Currently, scallops can also be purchased both fresh and frozen. Frozen scallops can be found in discount stores, while fresh ones are better sought after in seafood shops. It's worth knowing that mussels in shells and meat can be purchased. For 2 pounds of raw scallops, you need to pay between $48 and $71, while a kilogram of frozen seafood costs between $36 and $48.

Scallops not only taste exquisite but also provide numerous nutritional benefits. They are a rich source of proteins, including essential amino acids. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, protect against inflammation and cancers, and positively affect the nervous system.

Scallops contain valuable selenium, which protects the body from the toxic effects of heavy metals and has anti-cancer properties. Mussels also provide a solid dose of B vitamins, including B12, which enhances stress resistance and prevents anemia. However, due to their sodium content, individuals with hypertension should consume them in moderation.

Scallops can be used in the kitchen in various ways. For example, they can be eaten raw as a base for sushi. They taste great, drizzled with lemon juice, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and sautéed with garlic and rosemary. It's worth remembering that mussels do not require long thermal processing—2-3 minutes on each side are sufficient. Scallops are also excellent when grilled. You can make skewers by threading them onto sticks with bacon, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.