National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day is observed on May 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you might want to know about National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day.

📅 What day is National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day 2024?

In 2024, National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day is on Tuesday, May 16th. It is the 3rd Tuesday in May; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the fun details and facts about May 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day is celebrated annually on May 16th to honor the “Shell of St. James,” which refers to the delectable seafood scallops. In France, the coquille is a specific type of scallop that is used exclusively for this dish. It is prepared with a sauce made from butter, cream, mushrooms, and cheese. However, in places where coquilles are not available, any kind of scallop can be used as a substitute and prepared in various cooking styles.

📜 National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day History

The scallop shell is believed to symbolize St. James, one of Jesus’ apostles. When traveling to Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims traditionally use scallop shells as food and water bowls. Rest stops for pilgrims sometimes have carvings of scallop shells on the front of homes.

A specific French preparation of scallops is known as “coquilles Saint Jacques.” These scallops, also called St. James scallops in France, are mainly harvested from the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the dish is said to have originated from a story where St. James saved a knight from drowning, and the knight emerged from the sea covered in shells. However, it is important to note that the dish is named after St. Jacques or James, but it is not directly connected to him.

Over time, this dish has become popular worldwide. While it is still predominantly French, Montreal’s Italian community has made their own version by using mozzarella cheese instead of the traditional Gruyère cheese.

✅ National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day Facts

🔖 Japanese cuisine
In Japan, people enjoy eating them raw as sashimi or sushi.

🔖 Food source
Scallops are considered a prized delicacy in numerous regions across the globe.

🔖 Texture
The shell holds a firm and white flesh inside, while the roe is soft and has a reddish-orange color.

👍 Why Is National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day Important

Everyone cooks scallops differently, and Coquilles Saint Jacques are scallops prepared in the French style. Enjoy this day by eating scallops baked in a scallop shell with a combination of butter, cream, mushrooms, and cheese.

Are you concerned about your health? Don’t be concerned! Scallops are extremely healthy since they are high in omega-3 fatty acids. They include beneficial fats that can help regulate your cholesterol levels. Furthermore, they lower the risk of heart disease. Scallops are abundant in magnesium, which promotes heart health. Don’t hold back; plunge straight into that dish of tantalizing scallops.

Who doesn’t like a food vacation where they can eat anything they want without feeling guilty? especially when it comes to the scrumptious scallop. So don’t be ashamed to celebrate Coquilles Saint Jacques Day.

🙂 How To Observe National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day

⚡ Learn to make Coquilles Saint Jacques

⚡ Make your own Coquilles Saint Jacques
You might think it’s challenging, but preparing scallops the French way at home is actually quite simple. All you need are butter, cream, mushrooms, and cheese. Once you have these ingredients, all that’s left to do is bake the scallops. So, why wait? Begin right away!

⚡ Go out for Coquilles Saint Jacques
Look for culinary schools or continuing education courses in your region and sign up to learn how to prepare scallops. Once you’ve learned how to create this delectable dish, you can serve it to your friends and family to show off your newfound expertise. This expertise can even be used to impress a possible love partner.

📅 When is National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day?

Discover all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Cooking holidays.

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