What You Need to Know
Depuration of seafood is the process by which marine or freshwater animals are placed into a clean water environment for a period of time to allow purging of biological contaminants and physical impurities. The most common subjects of depuration are bivalves such as oysters, clams, and mussels.
Steps
- 1.
Oysters Rockefeller (United States): Ensures oysters are free from grit and marine contaminants before baking
- 2.
Moules Marinières (France): Purges mussels of sand and improves texture for wine-steamed preparation
- 3.
Clam Chowder (New England): Removes sediment that would otherwise ruin the soup's texture
The Science
Primary Reaction
Oxidation of sulfur compounds