How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for?

Posted by: Nick_S

How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/20/22 08:42 AM

We usually eat em up quick but planning a get together and want to harvest some about a week out..
How long u guys think it's good to keep on ice and stay good?
Posted by: tommy

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/20/22 09:37 AM

I keep clams in the fridge for a week, no longer. My fridge is around 38 to 40 degrees.
Posted by: Buck

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/20/22 10:02 AM

I do the same as Rich, a week or so and then I cut them and freeze the meats.
The refrigerator is better than ice because the ice is not as consistent in keeping all of the clams the same temperature plus any clams on the bottom sitting in any fresh water will go bad due to the water.
Clams will open slightly to let air mix with the salt fluids inside to keep oxygen in the system while in a refrigerator but fresh water ice melt will kill clams.
I use stainless steel pans and place each clam in the pan on its side so when the shells open the fluids stay inside instead of draining out. A dry clam dies earlier than one kept on its side and moist.
Posted by: Mark S.

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/20/22 10:55 AM

I have kept clams in 1 gallon plastic pails with a wet towel on top for easily 7 days...no issues at all.
Posted by: Nick_S

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/20/22 06:35 PM

Thanks guys for the advice.
I really appreciate it!!
Posted by: Don P

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/20/22 11:55 PM

Originally Posted By: Buck
I do the same as Rich, a week or so and then I cut them and freeze the meats.
The refrigerator is better than ice because the ice is not as consistent in keeping all of the clams the same temperature plus any clams on the bottom sitting in any fresh water will go bad due to the water.
Clams will open slightly to let air mix with the salt fluids inside to keep oxygen in the system while in a refrigerator but fresh water ice melt will kill clams.
I use stainless steel pans and place each clam in the pan on its side so when the shells open the fluids stay inside instead of draining out. A dry clam dies earlier than one kept on its side and moist.


Nice having a moist clam on its side. It’s good to mix it up. laugh
Posted by: kayak fisher

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/22/22 10:47 AM

I've also kept them a week without any problems. But when the water temp is high like it is now, I think they get stressed going from hot to cold fridge or ice. I've had batches with a few that would open open a sliver. Part of the tongue would be sticking out. I'd tap it and it would usually close. If not I tossed it. My clams from a week ago were fine, but my nephew had some opening within a couple of days after a 40 minute ride home with them on ice.
Posted by: Nick_S

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/22/22 01:34 PM

Thanks Bob for the input.
I'm no expert and appreciate all the tips you and others have given!

Don...lol the bearded clam is always better when moist on its side
Posted by: Don P

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/22/22 05:31 PM

I prefer my clams completely lasered beardless.
Posted by: tommy

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/22/22 05:48 PM

Originally Posted By: Don P
I prefer my clams completely lasered beardless.


You young guys. LOL.
Posted by: Don P

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/22/22 05:57 PM

Originally Posted By: tommy
Originally Posted By: Don P
I prefer my clams completely lasered beardless.


You young guys. LOL.


C’mon tommy….you’re still chasing clams, and you keep them around for a week or so! wink2
Posted by: duckhuntingfreak

Re: How long freshly harvested clams and mussels good for? - 08/22/22 10:27 PM

In the winter, coming out of cold water, I've had almost a month in the fridge!!