Wild Maine Scallops
Our fresh-frozen wild Maine scallops are sustainably harvested and individually flash-frozen within 24 hours of harvesting using blast freezers so that they retain their freshness, nutritional strength, and delightful flavor. Delivering a subtly sweet taste and a velvety buttery texture, our wild Maine scallops provide a truly exceptional culinary experience.
Considered a nutritional powerhouse, scallops are rich in protein, low in fat, and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients not only promote satiety but also bolster the body's defense against various chronic ailments.
Here is why they are such a delight:
Sustainability: Our wild Maine scallop fisheries are managed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that harvesting practices are environmentally responsible and promote the long-term health of scallop populations and marine ecosystems.
Superb Flavor and Freshness: These scallops are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor that is distinct from scallops found in other regions. Their flavor profile reflects the pristine waters of Maine, resulting in a clean, briny taste with subtle hints of sweetness.
Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or part of a seafood feast, each bite of these delectable shellfish is an opportunity to savor the flavors of the ocean.
Tender Texture: Wild Maine scallops boast a tender, succulent texture that melts in your mouth with each bite. When cooked properly, they remain moist and tender, making them a delight to eat whether seared, grilled, baked, or added to seafood dishes like chowders or pastas.
Versatility in Cooking: Wild Maine scallops lend themselves well to various cooking methods. Whether you prefer them lightly seared with a simple seasoning, incorporated into complex seafood dishes, or showcased as the star ingredient in a scallop ceviche, their versatility allows for endless culinary creativity.
Nutritional Benefits
Wild Maine scallops are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are widely considered one of the healthiest of seafoods. These benefits include:
High Protein Content
Wild Maine scallops are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. A 3.5-ounce serving of scallops provides approximately 24 grams of protein.
Low in Calories and Fat
Wild Maine scallops are low in calories and fat, making them a suitable option for those looking to manage their weight or maintain a healthy diet. A 3.5-ounce serving of scallops provides just 137 calories and 6.3 grams of carbohydrates and only about 1 gram of fat. .
Rich in Vitamin B12 and Essential Minerals
Wild Maine scallops are a great source of essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and a host of other minerals.
Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function and red blood cell formation, while minerals like magnesium and potassium are vital for heart health and muscle function, zinc supports immune function and wound healing, and selenium is important for reproductive function, proper thyroid function, and DNA production. Scallops are also a very good source of phosphorus, copper, calcium, and iron
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Wild Maine scallops contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for heart health. Consuming omega-3s may help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Low in Mercury
Scallops are among the seafood options with lower mercury levels, making them a safer choice for consumption, especially for pregnant women and children.
Potential Antioxidant Properties
Research suggests that scallops may contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, although more studies are needed to confirm these benefits conclusively.
Overall, incorporating wild Maine scallops into your diet can provide a delicious and nutritious source of protein, essential nutrients, and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. These provide numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being.
Health Benefits
Protects Heart Health
Scallops are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve heart health. Omega-3s can reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and improve overall cholesterol levels. The high magnesium content in scallops can contribute to heart health as well. This mineral helps relax blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure and improve circulation.
Improves Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Scallops are a rich source of vitamin B12, iron and protein, nutrients that make them great brain food. Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy brain function because it helps the body produce neurotransmitters that regulate mood and improve cognitive function. Consuming scallops can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders.
At the same time, scallops as an excellent source of iron mean more red blood cells and more oxygen transporters for the entire body, giving your brain a boost in vitality; and the higher levels of protein provides enough amino acids to function optimally and stimulates nerves for better cognitive function
Strengthes Bones
Scallops offer several nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health. They provide some calcium, magnesium, and selenium, and are an excellent source of protein. Several studies show significant reductions in bone fractures related to protein intake. Lean sources of protein from foods like scallops could be especially beneficial for those prone to osteoporosis such as older adults.
Supports Muscle Building and Repair
Regular consumption of scallops can help improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of muscle cramps and injuries. This is because scallops contain plenty of magnesium, which has been proven to reduce muscle cramps, repair muscle tissue and give stiff muscles support for relaxation. The high levels of protein aids muscle tissue development and repair, especially post-workout.
Strengthens Immune System
Scallops contain anti-inflammatory minerals such as potassium, magnesium and zinc, which help to prevent multiple diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They also have high levels of vitamin B12 and antioxidants, which act to rejuvenate healthy cells and reduce oxidative stress, which aids the prevention of cancer and multiple age-related ailments.
Reduce Risk of Stroke
Studies show that scallops are able to reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 31% due to the minerals and antioxidants they contain. These compounds reduce dangerous blood clotting, improve circulation, and keep the brain supplied with healthy blood. It is the omega-3 fatty acids in scallops that improve blood flow and reduce clots that lead to stroke. The Vitamin B12 in scallops reduces levels of homocysteine, which are amino acids that damage your blood vessels and can lead to stroke.
Supports a Healthy Pregnancy
People who are pregnant are advised to avoid seafood that contains mercury. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) list scallops as a "best" choice for seafood due to its lower mercury level. Furthermore, scallops provide many key nutrients that are beneficial in pregnancy, like iron, B12, calcium, zinc, and protein.
Helps Weight Management
Scallops are an excellent source of lean protein. Research shows that high-protein diets can help with weight loss, delaying hunger for a longer period of time. High protein intake may also boost metabolism. Scallop protein also contains taurine and glycine, amino acids that research has found to prevent weight gain and obesity.
Suggestions for Heavenly Wild Maine Scallop meals:
- Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a decadent meal.
- Scallop Risotto: Add seared scallops to a creamy risotto flavored with shallots, white wine, Parmesan cheese, and chicken or vegetable broth.
- Scallop Pasta: Toss seared scallops with al dente pasta, sautéed garlic, shallots, cherry tomatoes, and spinach in a light white wine or lemon cream sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a quick and delicious pasta dish.
- Scallop Chowder: Make a creamy scallop chowder by simmering seared scallops with onions, celery, potatoes, corn, and thyme in a rich seafood or vegetable broth. Finish with heavy cream, bacon, and a dash of hot sauce for a hearty and comforting soup.
- Scallop Salad: Combine seared scallops with mixed greens, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and toasted nuts or seeds. Toss with a tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey for a light and satisfying salad.
Whether you prefer them seared, grilled, or in a creamy sauce, scallops are sure to elevate any meal with their delicate flavor and tender texture.
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Resources Used for NWWF Blog #25: Wild Maine Scallops
https://nwwildfoods.com/collections/wild-seafood/products/wild-maine-scallops?variant=44392890794268
https://www.verywellfit.com/scallop-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits-5092400
https://www.cookist.com/12-impressive-health-benefits-of-scallops/