Color of the clam shells and meats will vary depending on bottom types, water conditions, diet, size, etc. Attempts to use color or shape to distinguish clam species or harvest location can be confusing. Exterior shell color can range from white to varying shades of gray, with occasional blue-purple to black bands along the concentric ridges (growth rings). Interior shell color is primarily white, but can be marked with attractive purple hues. Meat color is a blend of cream and beige.

Odor and flavor of the clam meat will also vary by harvest location. A mild, pleasant shellfish aroma and slight sea taste are most common.

Uniformity in clam size per container or bag denotes a careful sorting process. If requested, bags can be packaged as mixed sizes. Likewise, uniformity can be designated on a count per pound basis.

Broken and dead clams should not exceed 2% (by count) of the entire packaged unit at the time of shipment.