Chemical composition of specimens of the taquilla clam Mulinia edulis from natural beds from northern and southern Chile

Chemical composition, morphometry and meat yield of Mulinia edulis, were analyzed for two size groups and two locations. The clams were taken from natural beds, one located in the north (Penuelas; 29 degrees 55'S) and the second in the south (Putemun; 42 degrees 25'S) of Chile. The first size group corresponds to legal catch size (>5.5 cm) and the second to 'baby clams' (<4 cm). The standardized AOAC methodology was used to determine the proximal values. Results show that M. edulis is a species with high water content in its tissues (>80%), high protein value (>11%) and low fat content (<2%). Proteins and total lipids were significantly higher in Penuelas than Putemun. Furthermore, the water content (humidity) was higher in Putemun than in Penuelas, and in baby clams than in large clams. Meat yield was higher in the Penuelas clams (>20%) than those of Putemun (<20%). Finally, the clam M. edulis, independent of the origin and size, is a healthy food due to its low lipid content, but small clams (= baby clams) have a higher meat yield.