Fresh-Frozen Scallop Roe - Seasonal

Fresh-Frozen Scallop Roe - Seasonal

$12.95
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Description

*The roe is sold separately, not attached to the scallop shell & scallop meat*

Intershell's fresh scallop roe is only available during a fleeting seasonal window from April to May, this delicacy is captured at its peak of flavor and flash-frozen to preserve its buttery texture and briny sweetness.

Available now in convenient frozen units, it’s time to bring a touch of French fine dining to your home kitchen.

While people typically enjoy the regular scallop meat (white adductor muscle), the scallop the roe (or "coral") is the crescent-shaped, vibrant gland that comes in 2 colors - White & Red. In France and across Europe, it is considered the best part of the scallop. 

  • Flavor Profile: Intensely savory (umami) with a delicate sweetness.
  • Texture: Silky, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Nutrition: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential minerals.

Harvest Area

Great South Channel, Massachusetts

Scientific Name

Placopecten magellanicus

Culinary Preparation & Tips

1. The Classic Sauté (French Style)

  • Quickly sear the roe in a pan with foaming butter, a splash of lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Serve it on crusty toasted baguette for an elegant appetizer.

2. Luxurious "Coral" Butter

  • Blanch the roe briefly, then blend it into softened high-quality salted butter. Use this vibrant orange "coral butter" to finish grilled fish, swirl into risotto, or toss with handmade pasta for an instant gourmet sauce.

3. Velvety Pâté or Mousse

  • Gently poach the roe and whip it with crème fraîche, shallots, and a hint of cayenne pepper to create a rich, spreadable seafood pâté.

4. Enriching Sauces

  • Puree the raw roe and whisk it into a traditional Beurre Blanc or a heavy cream reduction to add a deep, golden hue and a complex oceanic depth to your seafood dishes.

White Roe Vs. Red Roe

The "roe" is technically called the gonad, and its color tells you its function:

  • The White Part (Male): This is the testis. It is usually a creamy, ivory, or pale grey color.
  • The Red/Orange Part (Female): This is the ovary. Its vibrant color comes from a natural pigment called zeaxanthin, which the scallop accumulates from the algae it eats as it prepares to spawn.

Taste & Texture Profiles

In the culinary world, the red/orange roe is usually the most prized. Chefs love it for its striking color and its higher fat content, which makes for a more luxurious mouthfeel. When you puree scallop roe into a sauce or butter, it is the red part that provides that signature golden-orange hue and the intense "sea-sweetness."

While both parts share a deep, oceanic "umami" flavor that is much more intense than the white adductor muscle, there are subtle nuances between the two:

  • White Roe (Male): Milder and more "cleanly" oceanic. It has a subtle saltiness. Generally smoother and a bit firmer or "snappy" when cooked. Low to medium intensity.
  • Red/Orange Roe (Female): Richer, sweeter, and more "musky." It has a deeper savory depth. Creamier and softer, with a slightly more granular, egg-like feel. High intensity. This is where the "foie gras" richness comes from.
Fresh-Frozen Scallop Roe - Seasonal

$12.95 USD