Japanese carpet shell
Ruditapes
philippinarum
The Japanese carpet shell (Ruditapes philippinarum) was accidentally introduced during the importation of Japanese oysters (Crassostrea gigas), or through aquaculture trials, in many areas of Italy. They live on the littoral and sublittoral seabed. It is very common in protected marine areas and in the central-north Adriatic Sea.
Techical sheet
It has short, joined siphons, unlike the species R. decussatus, which is native to Italy. It lives only about 10 cm deep in a variety of substrates, from mud to sand and gravel. It is a filter-feeding organism and its diet includes phytoplankton, benthic diatoms and terrestrial organic matter. Spawning occurs throughout the year, with a seasonal peak from January to February. Its shape is ovoid with a rough surface due to the growth stripes and, its colour varies from creamy to brown/grey shades.
Ruditapes philippinarum
COMMERCIAL DESIGNATION
Japanese carpet shell
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FOREIGN NAMES
Italy: Vongola verace;
Spain: Almeja japonesa;
Portugal: Amêijoa-japonesa;
France: palourde japonaise
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Ruditapes philippinarum
FAMILY
Veneridae
COMMERCIAL SIZE
35 mm
Reg. (UE) 2019/1241
HARVESTING AREA
Farmed product mainly from the lagoon areas of the North Adriatic Sea (see attached technical sheet). It is subjected to depuration before being marketed.
ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS
Appearance: intact, dirt-free shells with adequate reaction to percussion. Glossy creamy-white flesh filling the pallial cavity. Normal levels of liquid intervalvare.
Delicate flavour with marine notes.
TREATMENT
Japanese carpet shells are put through a depuration process before being sold.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
(in 100g of edible part)
Moisture: 77,35;
Protein: 10,9;
Fat: 1,39;
Carbohydrate: 2,75
(Source: Fish Commercial Europa)
PECULIARITY
These animals must be alive when sold. No other allergens contained.
SHELF LIFE
The medium life of these molluscs after the caught, in refrigeration condition, is 7 days.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE
Between +2° ÷ +6° C
CONDITIONS OF USE
These molluscs are to be consumed only after cooking. See label on the product.
PACKAGING
Japanese carpet shells are packaged in PE-HD monofilament net bags made of materials suitable for contact with foodstuffs.
These products are mainly packed in bags of 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg.