Sea scallops are the road warriors. They’re mostly wild-caught from the deep Atlantic, often found off the coast of New England. They live in deep water, diving for fun. (Actually, they just sit there, but it sounds cooler.)
Bay scallops are more like local celebrities. They’re found in shallow bays and estuaries, mostly along the East Coast. The most famous ones come from Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. They have a shorter season, usually in the fall, which makes them feel like a special guest star.
Fun fact: Bay scallops are often more expensive than their bigger cousins. Why? Because they’re harder to harvest and fewer in number. Yes, the tiny cutie costs more. Life isn’t fair sometimes.
Fake Scallops Are a Thing
Here’s a spicy warning: Watch out for “scallops” that are actually cut from stingray or skate. Yes, that’s a real scam. Those fake ones are usually little perfect cylinders of white rubbery stuff. Genuine sea scallops have a grain to them. And real bay scallops look like tiny natural buttons, not like someone used a cookie cutter.
Buttery Garlic Baked Scallops | Happily Unprocessed
If a scallop looks too round and uniform, be suspicious. Ask your fishmonger, “Hey, is this real?” They’ll either respect you or be embarrassed. Either way, you win.
