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Is fresh clam chowder expected to have a tiny bit of sand in it (from the clams)? I'm only familiar with the canned versions of clam chowder. Many of them contain a little sand.
Fresh clam chowder should ideally be free of sand. However, clams can sometimes retain sand if not properly cleaned before cooking, which can result in a gritty texture in the chowder.
To remove sand from clams, soak them in a bowl of cold water with a bit of salt for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the clams to expel sand. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water afterward.
If you find sand in your clam chowder, it's best to discard the sandy portions and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining sand particles.
Hard-shell clams, such as littlenecks and cherrystones, are typically less sandy compared to soft-shell clams. However, all clams should be properly cleaned to ensure they are sand-free.
Commercially prepared clam chowder is less likely to contain sand because the clams are usually pre-cleaned and processed. However, there is always a small chance of encountering sand, so it's important to buy from reputable sources.