Purple Savory Clams
Also known as varnish, mahogany, or just plain old “purple clams,” these clams are gorgeous, plump, and juicy. Unless you find an albino clam, expect dramatic purple shells. Also be prepared for the occasional tiny (and delicious) pea crab. (If you have a crab allergy, these are not the clams for you!)
Savory clams are meatier than our manila steamer clams and softer in texture... they're more like a mussel than a clam. Flavor wise, they're incredibly rich and satisfying - think of them as the proscuitto of the sea. They have thinner shells than manilas, meaning that, pound for pound, they feed more people. They flash open when exposed to heat, so if you like a fully-cooked clam, steam them for an additional minute or two once they open. Savories can be subbed into any steamed clam or mussel preparation, and they're fabulous in stews and chowders.
These 5 pound bags serve 5 to 6 people as a main dish or 8 to 10 people as an appetizer.
Here's a link to some of our favorite recipes - we particularly love the savory clams in this delicious seafood stew. For more clam handling tips, check out our clam guide.
You can specify desired delivery date when you put the item in your cart. Please read our order guidelines for more info.
Remember that consuming raw or undercooked shellfish increases the risk of foodborne illness.
WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including cadmium, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65warnings.ca.gov/food
Here's more information about oysters and cadmium.
Shipping Rates:
- WA & OR — $10
- ID, NV, CA — $40
- Other continental states — $50
- Alaska & Hawaii — $100
Free Shipping:
- Spend $150+ in WA & OR
- Spend $250+ everywhere else (except Alaska & Hawaii)
Non-Perishable Shipping Rates (USPS):
- Flat rate $8
- Delivery may take up to 1 week
We pack every order in insulated boxes with frozen gel ice and ship via FedEx.
Packages usually arrive overnight, but there's enough ice to keep things cool for up to 2 days in case of delays.
Signatures are not required for delivery
Delivery Timing
- Choose your delivery date at checkout (Tuesday–Friday).
- Order cutoff: 6 AM Pacific for same-day shipping.
- FedEx delivery window: usually 4:30–8:00 PM, depending on location.
- For less stress, pick a delivery date 1–2 days before you plan to eat the shellfish.
- Specialty items (i.e. seasonal boxes) usually have fixed delivery dates.
- Non-perishables ordered by themselves ship via USPS and may take up to a week. (If you order a t-shirt with your oysters, it'll arrive with the shellfish).
Where We Ship
- Within the continental U.S. only
- Physical addresses only — no P.O. boxes
- No live oysters to Texas
- Hawaii & Alaska: email us to discuss order options
Changing or Canceling an Order
- Cancel up to 8 AM on your ship date.
- Need to modify? Give us 24 hours’ notice to add or remove items.
Sending a Gift?
- Add a gift message during checkout if you like.
- Please make sure the recipient will be home to receive it (and put it in the refrigerator!)
Shipping to an Apartment or Business
- Confirm FedEx can access or leave the package safely.
- FedEx sometimes delivers in the morning, so ensure someone’s available at 9 am.
- If delivery isn’t possible (closed business, locked entry, wrong address), the package may need to be picked up at a FedEx location.
Our business is 103 years old (and counting) so we're definitely in this for the long haul — building loyalty means making things right when something goes wrong.
Our Happiness Guarantee covers:
- Damaged items during transit (please send photos!)
- Lost product from deliveries delayed more than 2 days
- Missing or mis-picked items
- Quality concerns (too big, too small, or not what you expected)
Depending on the issue, we’ll reship, refund, credit, or offer a discount on a future order.
If Your Perishable Order Is Delayed
- We’ll contact you if there’s a delay, and will work with FedEx to reschedule delivery for the next day.
- Don’t worry — your shellfish will just think the tide has gone out, and will be fine with an extra day in transit.
- When your box arrives, check the temperature tracking tab inside; it’ll confirm that everything stayed cold.
- Learn how to read your temperature tag here.
What’s Not Covered
We can’t replace or refund orders when issues are outside our control, including:
- Incorrect address or delivery date entered at checkout
- Orders not retrieved on the delivery date
- Lost or stolen packages after FedEx marks them as delivered
Still, we’re happy to help troubleshoot — just email info@hamahamaoysters.com