National Deep Fried Clams Day on November 1st recognizes a popular seafood item enjoyed since the 1840s.

Fried claims have been on menus in restaurants since the 1840s. They were served alongside mutton, liver and veal cutlets up and down the Eastern Seaboard. And they have quite a history, too.

According to legend, Lawrence Henry “Chubby” Woodman from Essex, Massachusetts deep fried the first breaded versions of clams over 100 years ago. On July 3, 1916, in his small roadside restaurant, now Woodman’s of Essex, it is believed Chubby served his customers the first modern-day deep-fried clams.  

It was later on that Thomas Soffron of Soffron Brothers Clam Co., based in Ipswich, Massachusetts, created clam strips, which are made from the foot of hard-shelled sea clams. Soffron sold these to Howard Johnson’s in an exclusive deal, and as the chain expanded, they became popular throughout the country.

Clams are low in cholesterol and fat without breading and oil. However, when fried, they absorb cooking fat and calories. 

Fried clams to New England are what barbecue is to the South. ~David Leite ~August 29, 2007, New York Times ~In A ’64 T-Bird, Chasing a Date With a Clam

Explore More…

• National Seafood Month
• National Fried Scallops Day
• National Shrimp Day
• National Baked Scallops Day
• National Crawfish Day
• Clams on the Half Shell Day
• National Shrimp Scampi Day
• Oysters Rockefeller Day
• French Fried Shrimp Day
• National Lobster Day
• National Go Fishing Day
• National Catfish Day
• National Caviar Day
• National Oyster Day
• National Seafood Bisque Day
• National Crab Meat Day
• Lobster Newburgh Day
• Deep Fried Clams Day
• Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
• National Sardines Day
• National Clam Chowder Day
• Spanish Paella Day
• National Catfish Month
• Creamy Shrimp with Asparagus
• Spinach Artichoke Crusted Salmon
• Shrimp Mushroom Pasta Salad
• New England Style Clam Chowder

HOW TO OBSERVE #DeepFriedClamsDay

When it comes to fried clams, the best way to celebrate is by eating some! Whether you make them at home or visit your favorite seafood restaurant, the day is worth celebrating! Be sure to share your favorite recipe or give a shout out to the cooks who make them best.

Try this New England style Clam Chowder too.

Use #DeepFriedClamsDay to post on social media.