Cockling on Camp

One of our camp activities at Marahau was cockling.  Cockles are shellfish with two shells (bivalves) that you can eat.  We found them mostly under the mud at low tide.  Using our hands, dug a hole about 15cm deep and felt for the cockles.  If they were too small, we put them back so that when they grew, other people could get them.

After collecting 10 - 15 each, we took them back to camp.  They were put into a large pot of fresh water to try to get rid of some of the sand.

Later that day, the parents set up a fire with a big plate over it and cooked about 20 - 30 at a time.  The cockles were ready when they opened up.  I tried them, but didn't think they were very nice.  The vinegar made them taste a bit better, but they are not my favourite food.

By Jason C