Buying

Scallop flesh should be pale beige to light pink, moist and glossy with a fresh sea smell. Scallops are sold either still enclosed in their shells or removed from the shell (shucked). If bought whole, discard any shells that are open and do not close when sharply tapped.

Because scallops deteriorate rapidly once out of the water, they are usually sold shucked and should be refrigerated quickly and used within 1 day. They can also be bought frozen.