The Ultimate Guide to Buying Fresh Diver Scallops: Quality, Tips, and Recipes

October 25, 2024

Buying Fresh Diver Scallops

Diver scallops are among the finest seafood delicacies available, prized for their rich, sweet flavor and tender texture. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a seafood enthusiast looking to enjoy them at home, finding fresh, high-quality diver scallops is key to an unforgettable meal. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying, storing, and cooking diver scallops, along with some top recipes to elevate your seafood dining experience.

For premium-quality diver scallops, explore Global Seafoods’ Scallop Collection, featuring options like Jumbo Sea Scallops, Hokkaido Scallops, and Smoked Weathervane Scallops.

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What Are Diver Scallops?

Diver scallops are harvested by divers who hand-pick them from the ocean floor, often selecting only the largest, most pristine scallops. This sustainable method of harvesting helps preserve ocean habitats and yields scallops of exceptional quality. The term "diver scallops" denotes their hand-harvested origin, making them more eco-friendly and usually fresher than dredged scallops.

Why Choose Diver Scallops?

Because divers carefully select these scallops, they are typically fresher and more flavorful than those harvested using dredging methods. Diver scallops also tend to have a firmer, meatier texture due to their selective harvesting and less exposure to sediment.

Key Considerations When Buying Fresh Diver Scallops

When buying diver scallops, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the freshest, highest-quality product.

1. Look for “Dry” Scallops

Dry scallops are untreated with any chemicals, meaning they’re pure, fresh, and free from additives like sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), which some suppliers use to preserve moisture. Dry scallops have a natural cream or off-white color and sear beautifully without releasing excess water.

• Pro Tip: Avoid “wet” scallops, which are treated with STP. They appear bright white and release more liquid when cooked, resulting in a less desirable texture.

2. Check for Freshness and Smell

Fresh scallops should smell like the ocean—mild and briny—not overly fishy or pungent. An off-putting odor is a sign the scallops may not be as fresh as they should be.

3. Ask About the Origin

Sourcing is crucial with scallops. High-quality diver scallops are often harvested in cold waters, such as those around New England or Hokkaido, Japan, as cold-water scallops tend to be sweeter and firmer. Check if your supplier offers information about the origin of the scallops, as this can impact flavor and texture.

For cold-water, high-quality options, try Hokkaido Scallops or Alaskan Pink Scallops.

4. Size Matters

Scallop sizes vary, and diver scallops are often larger due to their hand-picked harvesting method. Larger scallops, sometimes labeled “jumbo,” are perfect for pan-searing or grilling.

• Pro Tip: Look for scallops labeled as U10 or U15, which means there are 10 or 15 scallops per pound. Jumbo Sea Scallops are an ideal choice if you’re looking for impressively large, high-quality scallops.

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Top Techniques for Storing Fresh Scallops

Once you’ve purchased high-quality diver scallops, it’s important to store them correctly to maintain their freshness.

1. Keep Them Cold: Store scallops in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally around 32°F. If your fridge doesn’t reach that temperature, place the scallops in a bowl over ice and replenish the ice as it melts.

2. Avoid Air Exposure: Place the scallops in an airtight container or seal them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air and drying out.

3. Use Within Two Days: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh scallops within two days of purchase.

4. Freezing Option: If you need to store them longer, you can freeze scallops by placing them in an airtight, freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, frozen scallops can maintain quality for up to three months.

For more storage tips, explore our Seafood Storage Guide to ensure your scallops and other seafood stay fresh.

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Cooking Diver Scallops: Top Recipes and Techniques

Diver scallops are versatile and can be prepared in various delicious ways. Here are some top cooking techniques and recipes to enjoy them at their best.

1. Pan-Seared Diver Scallops with Garlic Butter

Pan-searing brings out the natural sweetness of diver scallops while creating a beautiful caramelized crust.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh diver scallops
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering.
3. Add scallops, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Reduce heat, add butter, garlic, and parsley, and cook for another minute.
5. Serve with lemon wedges.

For premium scallops, try Jumbo Sea Scallops for this recipe.

2. Grilled Scallops with Herb Marinade

Grilling adds a slight smokiness to scallops, balancing their natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb diver scallops
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, and parsley), chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate scallops with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper for 10-15 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
4. Serve immediately with extra herbs.

Pro Tip: Use a grill pan to prevent scallops from sticking to the grill.

3. Baked Scallops with Parmesan Crust

Baking scallops with a Parmesan crust is a quick way to add a flavorful, crispy layer to your dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb diver scallops
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Arrange scallops in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
4. Top each scallop with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the scallops are cooked through.

For a unique twist, try using Smoked Weathervane Scallops in this recipe for added depth of flavor.

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FAQs on Buying and Cooking Diver Scallops

1. What’s the difference between diver and regular scallops?

Diver scallops are hand-harvested, ensuring a higher quality and sustainability. They tend to be fresher and have a firmer texture.

2. How can I tell if scallops are fresh?

Fresh scallops should smell mildly briny, like the ocean, without any strong fishy odor.

3. Can I freeze fresh scallops?

Yes, fresh scallops can be frozen for up to three months in a freezer-safe, airtight bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

4. What’s the best way to cook diver scallops?

Pan-searing is one of the best methods for cooking diver scallops, creating a golden crust and preserving their delicate flavor.

5. Where can I buy high-quality diver scallops?

For premium quality, visit Global Seafoods, offering options like Hokkaido Scallops and Alaskan Pink Scallops.

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Discover Premium Scallops at Global Seafoods

Ready to try your hand at cooking diver scallops? Global Seafoods provides a top-quality selection, from Jumbo Sea Scallops to Hokkaido Scallops. Browse our collection to find fresh, flavorful scallops that will take your recipes to the next level.

For more cooking tutorials, seafood recipes, and tips, subscribe to Global Seafoods’ YouTube channel.

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