Clam Smoothie on the Beach
YARMOUTH, Maine — Move over kale and spinach, there’s a new superfood in town: clams. That’s right, the chewy shellfish that you usually enjoy with butter and lemon or tartar sauce are now being blended into smoothies and hailed as the ultimate health drink.
Clam smoothies are the brainchild of Shellie Newmar, a nutritionist and clam digger originally from Searsport who wanted to combine her two passions into one delicious beverage.
“I’ve always loved clams. They’re so nutritious and tasty,” Newmar said. “I thought, why not make a smoothie out of them? It’s a great way to get all the benefits of clams in a convenient and refreshing drink.”
Newmar said she uses fresh clams that she digs locally from the mud flats of Yarmouth, which is known for its abundant clam population and its annual clam festival.
“I only use the best clams for my smoothies. They’re organic, local, and sustainable,” she said. “I blend them with yogurt, honey, ice, and a dash of sea salt. It’s like drinking the ocean.”
Newmar said her clam smoothies are packed with protein, iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for various aspects of health.
“Clams are one of the best sources of vitamin B12, which is important for brain function and energy production,” she said. “They also have a lot of iron, which prevents anemia and boosts immunity. And they have omega-3s, which are good for your heart and skin.”
Newmar said her clam smoothies have been a hit with her customers, who swear by their health benefits and their flavor.
“I love clam smoothies. They make me feel energized and alert,” said Bob Clemson, a regular customer and clam enthusiast. “They also taste amazing, well, if you get the ones with the big bedaines. They’re sweet and salty at the same time.”
The smoothies, available at various hotspots on Route 1, can be ordered with either wholebelly clams or clam strips, depending on the customer’s preference. Newmar said she plans to expand her menu and offer different varieties of clam smoothies, such as clam-chocolate, clam-banana, and clam-pumpkin spice.
“I want to show people that clams are versatile and delicious,” she said. “They’re not just for chowder or fried. They’re for smoothies too.”
Newmar said she hopes her clam smoothies will inspire more people to appreciate clams and their health benefits.
“Clams are the best thing that ever happened to food,” she said. “And now they’re the best thing that ever happened to smoothies.”
