Clam season kicks off in Dhofar, celebrating coastal heritage
Published: 06:10 PM,Oct 05,2024 | EDITED : 09:10 PM,Oct 05,2024
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SALALAH: The clam shell, locally known as ‘Fadhk’, is abundant along the sandy shores of the Arabian Sea in Dhofar Governorate. It extends from the Sharbathat area in the Wilayat of Shaleem and the Al Hallaniyat Islands to the Raysut area in the Wilayat of Salalah.
In Dhofar, the ‘Fadhk’ is collected seasonally after the autumn season ends and the Sarb season begins. It is either consumed as a delicacy or sold in limited quantities at local fish markets. The collection season lasts until just before the onset of winter.
Salem bin Ahmed Al Ghassani, Director of the Fisheries Research Centre in Dhofar Governorate, says, ‘The ‘bean clam’ is a marine mollusk belonging to the class of small bivalve mollusks. Known in English as 'bean clam,' its scientific name is Donax townsendi.’
Al Ghassani highlighted the clam’s nutritional importance, explaining that consuming specific quantities of ‘Fadhk’ improves human nutrition. It is a rich source of high-quality protein, as well as essential vitamins A, B, and C. It also contains vital minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium, and phosphate.
Many coastal residents in Dhofar eagerly anticipate the ‘Fadhk’ season, which provides both a cultural experience and an economic opportunity. Individuals or families search the beaches and collect the clams using various tools, aiming to gather as much as possible during this brief period.
Suad bint Mubarak Al Ghafri noted that the ‘Fadhk’ season brings families together on the beaches. Besides the enjoyment of the activity, it offers a source of income due to increasing demand from various segments of society.
After collecting the clams, many prefer to cook them fresh, ensuring they are thoroughly washed to remove beach sand. ‘Fadhk’ can be prepared in several ways, often mixed into dishes, salads, pies, or soups. However, the majority prefer it boiled or cooked with spices and vegetables. – ONA
In Dhofar, the ‘Fadhk’ is collected seasonally after the autumn season ends and the Sarb season begins. It is either consumed as a delicacy or sold in limited quantities at local fish markets. The collection season lasts until just before the onset of winter.
Salem bin Ahmed Al Ghassani, Director of the Fisheries Research Centre in Dhofar Governorate, says, ‘The ‘bean clam’ is a marine mollusk belonging to the class of small bivalve mollusks. Known in English as 'bean clam,' its scientific name is Donax townsendi.’
Al Ghassani highlighted the clam’s nutritional importance, explaining that consuming specific quantities of ‘Fadhk’ improves human nutrition. It is a rich source of high-quality protein, as well as essential vitamins A, B, and C. It also contains vital minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium, and phosphate.
Many coastal residents in Dhofar eagerly anticipate the ‘Fadhk’ season, which provides both a cultural experience and an economic opportunity. Individuals or families search the beaches and collect the clams using various tools, aiming to gather as much as possible during this brief period.
Suad bint Mubarak Al Ghafri noted that the ‘Fadhk’ season brings families together on the beaches. Besides the enjoyment of the activity, it offers a source of income due to increasing demand from various segments of society.
After collecting the clams, many prefer to cook them fresh, ensuring they are thoroughly washed to remove beach sand. ‘Fadhk’ can be prepared in several ways, often mixed into dishes, salads, pies, or soups. However, the majority prefer it boiled or cooked with spices and vegetables. – ONA