How to identify a bad steamer clam In determining the freshness of steamers there are several indications we would like you to look out for. Heavily inspect the clams: The first step is to visually check if clamshells are cracked or chipped. They should all be tightly shut; any that are open should flick shut when lightly tapped against the side of a dish.steamer clams (ad) Reaction to Touch – Gently touch any open clams and make sure the edges close up. A clam that is alive will often close its shell rapidly. MOLD – If it is open and still there, assume the item is dead then remove all of the tuft first before discarding on orbit. This is especially good for hard-shell clams. The side of the shell or siphon on a soft-shell clam (which may not entirely close) and if she is live I should feel movement. If there is no reaction, the yeast has died and needs to be discarded.
Floating Test- Place the clams in a bowl of water. One of the ways in which you can differentiate is that live clams will naturally sink whereas dead ones may float. This is a good test to know when you first have them in your hands and want to verify whether they are bad or not before cooking.
Smell test: Finally, listen to your nose. Young clams smell briny. If the fish smell indicates an overly-fishy, or ammoniated aroma these are unsafe to eat.
