Wet/dry scallops.

warwoman

Hate to sound like a rank novice, especially concerning seafood, but would one of our folks here tell me what the difference is? I know, one's wet and one's dry.

Village Idiot

@travisstrick is the expert.  He taught me that dry scallops are the way to go.  I think wet scallops have been bleached.  Dry scallops grill much better.  I suppose wet scallops are OK in soups or gumbos.

NecessaryIndulg

Village Idiot  -- That is exactly what I've been taught, too.  From what I remember, both are shucked on the boat but wet scallops are put into a container with water (to preserve longer), whereas dry scallops are put in a dry container (no preservatives).   

So... dry scallops are fresher and taste better.  

billybon

• Wet scallops are shucked on the boat directly into a container filled with cold water, which preserves the scallops for longer. The downside is that the scallops absorb water and plump up, giving them a less pure flavor and a tougher texture. These scallops also tend to be older by the time they get to the seller.

Often a preservative or chemical salt is added to the water to prevent the scallops from spoiling. If this is a concern for you, always ask the fishmonger how the scallops were packed before buying wet scallops.

• Dry scallops are also shucked on the boat, but they go into a dry container with no water or preservatives. Their flavor is more pure and concentrated. They have a shorter shelf-life, but this means that they're fresher when you buy them.

travisstrick

Here ya go.

http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1137150/lets-talk-scallops#latest

travisstrick

They are both wet. As in they come in water. The dry refers to the lack of sodium tri phosphate.

Avoid the wet at all costs.

Gogogordy

Now Im confused but frankly never heard of either before this thread and am planning to try some. Will the fishmonger or counterperson know whaen I ask for "dry scallops?" or is this something a grocery store person is unaware of?

warwoman

Wow!! Thanks for all the info! You'se guys are amazing! Hope to meet some of y'all at the 'Fest!

Village Idiot

Gogogordy said:

Now Im confused but frankly never heard of either before this thread and am planning to try some. Will the fishmonger or counterperson know whaen I ask for "dry scallops?" or is this something a grocery store person is unaware of?

He should know.  If he doesn't, don't buy from him.

travisstrick

Gogogordy said:

Now Im confused but frankly never heard of either before this thread and am planning to try some. Will the fishmonger or counterperson know whaen I ask for "dry scallops?" or is this something a grocery store person is unaware of?

If they don't know when you ask, they have wet. Anyone who sells dry will be proud of them and know exactly what they have.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

travisstrick said:

Now Im confused but frankly never heard of either before this thread and am planning to try some. Will the fishmonger or counterperson know whaen I ask for "dry scallops?" or is this something a grocery store person is unaware of?

If they don't know when you ask, they have wet. Anyone who sells dry will be proud of them and know exactly what they have.

true-and dry scallops are much more expensive. if they don't know why one is $9.99 per lb and one is $29.99 per lb.....run.