National Fried Clam Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Fried Clam Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Fried Clam Day is celebrated on July 3rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Fried Clam Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you need know about National Fried Clam Day.

📅 What day is National Fried Clam Day 2024?

In 2024, National Fried Clam Day is on Monday, July 3rd. It is the 1st Monday in July; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about July 3, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

New Englanders consider a love for fried clams to be a significant part of their culture and tradition. They celebrate this addiction every year on July 3, known as National Fried Clam Day. Fried clams have been a beloved dish in New England coastal cuisine for more than 100 years. While some people need time to appreciate the taste, others instantly fall in love with the flavors. Those who reside or visit the Atlantic coast of New England can’t imagine a summer without enjoying the combination of a salty ocean breeze, a serving of fried clams, and a refreshing beverage.

📜 National Fried Clam Day History

Lawrence Henry “Chubby” Woodman and his wife Bessie stumbled upon the idea of deep frying clams by chance. In 1914, they started a small business selling soft shell clams in Essex, Massachusetts. However, business had been slow for the first two years. One day, while Chubby and a local fisherman named Tarr were enjoying Bessie’s homemade potato chips, they joked about frying clams in the same way. The idea amused them, but the Woodmans saw it as an opportunity to boost demand for their clams. They experimented with different batters and cooked the clams in fresh lard. After receiving positive feedback from residents, they realized they had something special. The next day, during the Fourth of July parade, Chubby and Bessie served fried clams to the town of Essex, establishing a beloved New England tradition that continues to this day.

✅ National Fried Clam Day Facts

🔖 A soft-shell clam by any other name is still a clam for frying
Softshell clams, also known as long necks, steamers, nanny-nase clams, and Ipswich clams, are a variety of clams that are often deep-fried.

🔖 Mollusks or shellfish?
Softshell clams are shellfish that belong to the mollusc family. Unlike vertebrates, they are invertebrates, meaning they do not have a backbone.

🔖 1,500
The global count of clam species discovered.

👍 Why Is National Fried Clam Day Important

While Chubby and Bessie Woodman’s story may sound like a fairy tale come true, it is the ultimate American success story of rags-to-riches. It is the stuff of dreams, and it is what keeps entrepreneurs motivated to participate in the American Dream.

One hundred years and five generations later, the Woodman family history continues as a flourishing family company exactly where it all began: at home. In a culture where families are more likely to be separated by hundreds, if not thousands, of miles, with everyone pursuing their own dream, the story of the woodsman reminds us that the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. What is important is most often exactly where you start.

There would be no National Fried Clam Day if the Woodmans hadn’t rolled up their sleeves, shucked a few steamer clams, battered them, and dropped them into the fry kettle. Chubby and Bessie reasoned that they had nothing to lose but a few clams that were already sitting in a bucket on the floor. Their narrative motivates us to be brave and take chances.

🙂 How To Observe National Fried Clam Day

⚡ Dine on a basket of deep-fried clams

⚡ Visit the birthplace of fried clams
People who are experts in New England fried clams claim that the region is the ultimate destination to enjoy fried clams that are truly fresh, sweet, and delicate. Although there are numerous clam shacks along the New England coast that serve tasty fried clams, the authentic recipe can only be found at Woodman’s of Essex in Essex, Massachusetts, which is located north of Boston. The Woodman family, who are now in their fifth generation, continue to cook clams using the same method as their ancestors, Chubby and Bessie, did over a hundred years ago.

⚡ Tell jokes to be happy as a clam
You won’t know what you’ve been missing until you taste deep-fried clams. It may be difficult to locate a restaurant near you that understands the New England secrets of frying a perfect batch of clams, but look for one that cooks the entire clam so you get a tender belly in every bite. Take our advice and skip the clam strips.

📅 When is National Fried Clam Day?

See all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Food holidays.

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