People are constantly searching for sustainability in every aspect of their lives. New research studies have proven that naked clams are eco-friendly and could be our more sustainable food source. But how does this food help improve our food's long-term viability?
Blue Foods Vs. Naked Foods
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Blue foods, nutrient sources obtained from marine and aquatic species, have been increasingly popular among ecologically aware individuals in recent years. This movement in consumption patterns has occurred away from traditional red meat and toward blue foods. Although these foods are undoubtedly more nutritious than their terrestrial equivalents, they have a significantly smaller impact on the environment in terms of land, water, and carbon emissions. Recent increases in the 'urban' aquaculture business have increased the global popularity of blue foods, previously standard in coastal regions. These booms have caused the industry to provide its employees with a living opportunity that is both sustainable and rewarding.
Regarding the countless species that fall under the category of blue foods, bivalves, which include clams and mussels, stand out as outstanding suppliers of proteins and essential micronutrients. Most aquaculture farmers refrain from raising bivalve fish because of their relatively expensive production costs, delayed maturation and growth rate, and high vulnerability to infection and disease. Instead, they focus on more lucrative but less nutritious industries like salmon farming.
Additionally, teredinids also known as shipworms or naked clams, are mollusks that have evolved to bore into timber, which constitutes the majority of their diet. A limited amount of research has been conducted on them to investigate their potential as a sustainable supply of blue food protein. As a source of food, these creatures have been cultivated by the indigenous people of Australia for hundreds of years.
According to Technology Network Applied Science, naked clams are notable for consuming wooden ships and shipwrecks. Since this species, which belongs to the family Teredinidae, is notorious for consuming wooden ships and shipwrecks, they are more frequently referred to as shipworms. During the 1400s and 1500s, naked clams were considered a nuisance because of their propensity to consume wooden ships.
They were reportedly responsible for leaving Christopher Columbus stranded in the Caribbean, which altered the path that history would take. In addition, naked clams became a non-issue when more modern materials were utilized for ships, and they were gradually forgotten about. Hence, in some areas of Southeast Asia, they were not disregarded. In this region, clams are more commonly regarded as a delicacy than a nuisance for agriculture.
Scientists interested in introducing less harmful seafood to the environment have just made a significant scientific advance with the discovery of naked clams. A collaborative effort between researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Plymouth has resulted in the presentation of naked clams as a superior option.
Accordingly, these animals are a type of bivalve that develop faster than any other, reaching a length of 30cm in just six months. But it should be no surprise that shipworms are not the most appetizing appellation for these creatures.
The minuscule shells of naked clams burrow into wood, which they digest and convert to protein. An equivalent-tasting mollusk, which resembles mussels and oysters and requires harvesting for approximately two years, or four times as long, is produced. Although Wild Naked Clams are considered a delicacy in the Philippines, this research indicates they would benefit from industrial cultivation.
By feeding them an algae-based diet, the clams can be enriched with vital omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are already twice as abundant in vitamin B12 as blue mussels. The clams are not only a source of nutrition but are also easy to cultivate sustainably because they are not conscientious about the conditions under which they are grown and only require discarded wood. The research findings suggested a modular agricultural design that might be used in urban settings. On the other hand, the food ecology is being increasingly impacted by climate change, which is causing shifts in the availability of crops around the world. As a result, it was concluded that naked clams may play a significant part in the future of our food.
