Genera and Species
Canestrelli are foods of animal origin that can be classified among fishery products. Also known as scallops, they belong to the Phylum dei Molluschi, more precisely to the Class of Bivalves (or Lamellibranchi), the same as mussels, clams, cockles, scallops, dates of the sea and oysters).
In the common imagination, scallops appear as "small" scallops; however, this is only partially true! Some examples of scallops can be:
- canestrello proper or queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis)
- variegated scallop or variegated scallop (Chlamys varia or Mimaclamys varia)
- scallop (Pecten jacobaes)
- Atlantic scallop (Pecten maximus)
- hairless scallop (Flexopecten glaber)
- cat foot comb (Chlamys pesfelis).
Generality
As we have specified, the various types of canestrelli are very similar to each other; on the other hand, to an expert eye (but not too much) certain differences immediately catch the eye. First of all, the various canestrelli (in adult form) reach quite different sizes; the largest are the scallops, followed by the queen scalop and the variegated scalop, reaching the hairless scallop and the scallop foot of cat.
It is possible to state that, in general, those interposed between the large scallops and the smaller cat's feet are the scallop proper and the variegated scallop. So let's proceed with the description of the most commercialized, that is the queen scalop.
These canestrelli reach an average of 7 cm in width; unlike the other types, they can have a more variegated shell (tendentially reddish) and the thickness of the valves is extremely thin. Externally, about twenty rays can be counted on each side of the shell and one of the two is more rounded than the other. On the back, one side of the umbo is more developed than the other. Even scallops, like scallops, are able to swim in open water by quickly opening and closing the valves; thanks to this characteristic, the scallops make long migrations for reproductive purposes.
Canestrelli feed on plankton; they live on average up to 40 meters deep (with extreme variability among the species mentioned above) on sandy or gravelly bottoms. The richest area of Aequipecten opercularis is that of the North Atlantic, near the British Isles (not surprisingly, in England, the canestrelli are known as "Queen's Combs"). They are fished by means of nets (mainly trawls), but their progressive decrease has requested the adoption of specific conservation rules; in the United Kingdom specific restocking areas have been established (with considerable success) where fishing is completely prohibited.
Culinary Aspects
The scallops or sea scallops lend themselves to many different types of preparations. For cleaning, some suggest cleaning them only after blanching them; in my opinion, however, the most profitable method is undoubtedly the opening of the valves with a knife and raw cleaning (similar to scallops). Obviously, this method cannot be applied to (too small) cat feet, which simply have to be left to drain briefly into a basin with clean sea water.
Recall that the canestrelli properly called (Aequipecten opercularis), cat's feet and hairless scallops do not contain large quantities of sand (instead present in large scallops); however, the first and second types require the extraction of the dark eyes and organs (instead preserved in the third).
The medium-sized sea scallops are suitable for all types of recipes, while the smaller ones are generally used to season first courses (dry pasta and risotto).
The typical preparations in which the canestrelli are included are: shellfish au gratin, grilled cooking, cooking in a pan (eg with saffron, pepper sauce, etc.), raw food and boiled meats to be served cold (such as seafood salad ).
Nutritional Characteristics
Sea scallops have a nutritional value that is hypothetically comparable to that of scallops. No detailed information is available and, to tell the truth, the data revealed by certain internet sites show a discrepancy that exceeds 45kcal / 100g; in practice, according to certain sources, the energy supplied by the canestrelli is about 70-80kcal / 100g, while other sources even report 115-117kcal / 100g.
The calories should be around 100kcal and come mainly from high biological value proteins. Simple carbohydrates would follow (glucose about 2g / 100g) and finally lipids (fibers are absent and cholesterol should not be excessive. Among the mineral salts and vitamins, particularly high values should not be highlighted.
Remembering that the scallops could be subject to food allergies, their consumption is not suitable for the lactating woman and for the very young child. On the other hand, scrutinizing the nutritional content, scallops seem to lend themselves to any diet; low-calorie diets and food therapies against metabolic diseases are no exception.
Video recipe of homemade canestrelli biscuits »
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