Loved and scorned. The GEODUCK

Adapted with permission from Chef Xinh Dwelley's Pacific Coastal Flavors (2019) Available locally at Verle's, The Shopper and online at Taylor Shellfish or by calling (360) 427-5599.

This giant saltwater clam derives its name, "geoduck," from a Nisqually word which is said to loosely translate as “dig deep.” Don’t let the awkward look deter you. This misunderstood bivalve is versatile and delicious. Xinh Dwelley, renown seafood chef and geoduck guru, shares her prep tips and recipes in her recent cookbook.

The geoduck is native to intertidal and subtidal waters from Alaska to California. With a shell that ranges from just 6 – 8 inches, the long siphon, or neck, makes it the largest burrowing clam in the world. In fact, a geoduck’s neck can be as long as three and a half feet in length. So large that even from when it is as small as an inch, it cannot be withdrawn into the shell.

Geoduck attain maximum size at age fifteen, but are one of the longest living animals in the world. The typical lifespan of a wild geoduck can range to 140 years. The oldest being recorded at 168 years. Buried three feet deep in mud or sand, once they make it through their fragile adolescence, these giant clams do a fantastic job of keeping safe with their thick unpalatable skin.

Xinh Dwelley prepares geoduck for ceviche

It takes about six years to raise a farmed geoduck. Beginning life in a hatchery tank, the small seed (about one inch long), are “planted” in the soft sand in the intertidal and protected with PVC tubes. The tubes keeps them safe from predators until they are large enough to dig deeper.

Natural beds of geoducks grow on many of Washington’s public beaches with Puget Sound and Hood Canal containing the most abundant populations for public digging. The best places to capture these big clams are the Duckabush and Dosewallips State Park on Hood Canal. You can also head over to a local market or order fresh online.

5 easy steps to dress a duck

Preparing a geoduck can seem overwhelming but it is surprisingly simple. Just follow Xinh's 5 steps.

1. Get ready by boiling a pot of water and preparing a bowl of ice water large enough to fit your geoduck. Using tongs, immerse the whole clam in the hot water for about six seconds.

2. Quickly submerse in ice bath.

3. Holding the shell, run the blade of a knife along the inside of the shell and extract the body.

4. Grasp the tough outer tube that surrounds the siphon and pull. The hot water and ice bath will have effectively separated the thick skin from the neck meat.

5. Discard the bulbous stomach and your efforts will be rewarded with tender meat from the body and the tougher but just as tasty meat from the siphon. The siphon meat is often ground to make chowder or patties.

Xinh's Geoduck Ceviche

A Xinh Dwelley specialty and instant hit in its complexity of flavors, this dish goes great with chips. Adapted with permission from Xinh Dwelley's Pacific Coastal Flavors (2019). Available locally by calling (360) 427-5599.

1 lb geoduck neck, thinly sliced

Juice of two limes (use separately)

1 stalk of celery, thinly sliced

1 small carrot, julienned

1 cucumber, thinly sliced (skin on)

¼ cup onion, finely chopped

2 Tbsp sesame seeds

1 tsp garlic, minced

2 red chili peppers, chopped

1 Tbsp fish sauce

1 Tbsp brown sugar

¼ cup mint, chopped

Mint leaves (garnish)

¼ cup crushed peanuts (garnish)

Combine geoduck and juice of first lime. Marinate for 30 minutes. In second large bowl, combine celery, carrot, cucumber, onion and sesame seeds. In small bowl combine second lime juice, garlic, chili peppers, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Combine both bowls with mint and geoduck meat. Garnish with mint and peanuts.

Get your geoducks on in Hoodsport

Want to show your love for geoducks everyday and shop local? Then put on your boots and head to Octopus Garden Jewelry and tell owners, Tim and Lucy that we sent you. Featuring local art , gifts coastal decor and beautiful hand crafted (onsite by Tim) silver and gold jewelry, you will find something for everyone on your gift list – plus these conversation starters that I own – geoduck earrings. Wed - Sunday 10- 5PM in Hoodsport. (360) 877-5530