It is the most popular culinary clam of the Atlantic coast, yet few know where it comes from and how it gets to their plates. The hard-shelled Mercenaria mercenaria, better known in these parts as the quahog, is the main farmed clam. Millions of clams are born and raised in Barnstable County each year, with Eastham and Wellfleet serving as major hubs of the industry. Follow a quahog’s journey from nursery to table. The company moves as many as 5 million local clams to market each year. Why not give the clam its moment in the sun? Alex Hay at his Wellfleet Shellfish Company in Eastham.
Across the country and the world, menus boast oysters hailing from the Outer Cape. EASTHAM - In the hierarchy of Cape Cod shellfish, the story of the clam is often forgotten in favor of the glamorous Wellfleet oyster.
