Common Name:
Grooved Carpet Shell Clam
(also known as European Clam / Native Clam)
Scientific Name:
Ruditapes decussatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Reproduction Period:
Spring to Summer
(peak between May and August)
Harvesting Areas:
Ria de Aveiro
Ria Formosa
Packaging:
Bioline mesh
1 kg, 2 kg or 5 kg bags
Sizes:
Small
Medium
Large
The grooved carpet shell clam is a bivalve mollusc with an oval, firm and slightly convex shell, featuring crossed ridges that create a distinctive texture and a colouration ranging from light beige to greyish-brown tones. Its meat is fleshy and succulent, offering a delicate, fresh and slightly sweet flavour that reflects the mineral richness of the waters in which it grows.
This species lives buried in sandy and muddy seabeds in shallow coastal areas, forming dense populations that allow for seasonal abundance. Highly prized in Portuguese cuisine, the grooved carpet shell clam is a standout ingredient in traditional dishes such as seafood soups and rice dishes, or simply enjoyed raw, where it reveals the full intensity of its marine flavour and the smoothness of its texture.
