Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) Consumption in Thailand, Indonesia and Indochina

Abstract

Asian clam, or its scientific name Corbicula flumnea is a small freshwater clam. It can be found at the bottom of rivers or lakes that are sandy, muddy or a mixture of sand and mud. This species is scattered all over the world, but it is not known which countries consume Asian clam as food and the type of cuisine they make. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the distribution as well as types or methods of cuisine in Thailand, Indonesia and Indochina. This study was conducted using a survey, informal conversational interviews and observations. The results show that out of the five (5) countries studied, three (3) countries consume Asian clam as food, namely Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Thailand uses the smoked and sun-drying method, Cambodia uses the sun-drying method, and Indonesia uses the frying method. It is hoped that the results of this study can be used as preliminary data to formulate a more systematic and sustainable Asian clam management plan in each country involved.