HOW TO OPEN AND CLEAN SCALLOPS IN THE SHELL
51Known as a bivalve mollusk, scallops earn this name through their two-part shell that opens and closes on a hinge.
Unlike most other mollusks, scallops can swim. They do this by opening and closing their shells, and the water pressure propels them forward.
Bay scallops: these tend to be very small, with an average diameter of just over 1cm (about half an inch). They are found close to the shore in bays, hence their name. Compared to sea scallops, bay scallops are said to have a slightly more tender texture.
Sea scallops: sea scallops are approximately three times larger than bay scallops, and their average diameter is around 4cm (1.5 inches). Sea scallops live further far out in the ocean and are typically found at a greater depth of between 10m and 100m (2).
There are many different sub-species of scallops, but they are all quite similar nutritionally.