National Fried Clam Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Clams

An addiction to fried clams is a rite of passage for New Englanders, commemorated annually on July 3 as National Fried Clam Day. For more than a century, fried mussels have been a part of the coastal culture of New England. Some people cultivate a taste for fried clams, while others fall in love at first bite. People who live or vacation along New England’s breathtaking Atlantic coast cannot fathom summer without the touch of a salty sea breeze, fried clams, and a cold drink.

The background of National Fried Clam Day

It’s uncommon to know precisely who, when, and where something was first created or invented. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery, and then everyone lays claim to the original creation. Freshly dug New England clams were battered and deep-fried for the first time in a sleepy New England coastal community, according to a documented history.

Lawrence Henry “Chubby” Woodman and his wife Bessie came up with the idea of deep-frying mussels by chance. In 1914, the couple opened a small seaside stand in Essex, Massachusetts, where they sold soft shell clams that Chubby dug himself along with other products on the weekends. The first two years of business were sluggish, until July 3, 1916.

A local fisherman named Tarr was “shootin’ the breeze” with Chubby while savouring a basket of Bessie’s homemade potato chips on that day. When Tarr asked Chubby about business, Chubby joked, “Business is as slow as a couple of snails climbing a hill.” Tarr joked that perhaps Bessie should deep-fry some of Chubby’s recently dug clams, which were piled in a nearby bucket, in the same manner that she deep-fried potato chips. The two friends laughed heartily at the notion of fried clams. However, after Tarr departed the store, the Woodmans discussed the possibility of shucking and deep-frying some of the clams in the bucket.

Chubby and Bessie reached a conclusion If fried clams were tasty, they could increase demand for their shucked clams and become more competitive. They agreed that it was worthwhile to attempt. Bessie heated fresh lard in the fry pan used to make her irresistible potato chips, and the two spent the entire afternoon shucking mussels and experimenting with batters. They asked a few local volunteers to serve as flavour testers. At the conclusion of the day, the verdict was unanimously “delicious.” That was the moment when Chubby and Bessie Woodman realised they were onto something huge.

The following day, during the town’s annual Fourth of July parade, Chubby and Bessie served the first fried mussels to the citizens of Essex. In that instant, a New England custom was created. Since then, summers in New England have never been the same.

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5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT CLAMS

There are this many distinct species of clams in the world.

Fried softshell clams are the type of fried mussels. Long necks, steamers, nanny nose clams, and Ipswich clams are alternative names for softshell clams.

Clams are both invertebrates (animals without a backbone) and crustaceans. Softshell clams belong to the mollusk family of invertebrates.

Clams are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, as they are high in protein, low in calories, fat, and cholesterol, and rich in vital vitamins and minerals.Home lovely coastal dwelling

Along the east coast of the United States, from northern Canada to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, one can find softshell mussels. In addition to Alaska, Washington, and California on the Pacific coast, they are also prevalent in western Europe.

NATIONAL FRIED CLAM DAY DATES