Why You Must Try This Rare Seafood In Kerala

The coastal Malabar region in Kerala is famous for its diverse culinary delights, with Kallummakaya holding a special place among them. Known locally as Kallummakaya or kadukka, these mussels are a beloved seafood dish in the area.

Kallummakaya, larger than clams, are sea creatures found clinging to rocks and are cultivated in Kerala’s coastal regions. The distinctive flavours and rich culinary traditions associated with Kallummakaya are integral to Malabar cuisine, enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

There are various ways to prepare Kallummakaya, including roasting, stuffing, and frying. These dishes are a source of pride for the people of Malabar. One of the most popular clam dishes is Kallummakaya Niruthan, which involves stuffing mussels with a spicy mix of grated coconut, chickpeas, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices, then steaming or deep frying them.

Another must-try dish for seafood lovers is Kallummakaya curry, where the mussels are cooked in rich coconut milk gravy with spices like coriander and cumin. Another favourite is Kadukku Varattiyat, a fried clam dish with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices, often served with steamed rice or bread.

From the spicy and juicy Kallummakaya fry to the rich and flavorful Kallummakaya curry, each dish showcases the culinary expertise and cultural heritage of the Malabar region. These flavours offer an unforgettable experience for both seafood lovers and curious food enthusiasts.

Besides, the women farmers in Moothakunnam and Kottappuram villages in Kerala have harvested a bumper crop of green mussels under the guidance of ICAR’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). The group of farmers from Moothakunnam harvested a total of 1.5 tonnes from the farms, while another tonne of green mussels came from Kottappuram.

Launched in December 2023, the self-help groups offer mussel farming as an additional income opportunity to communities affected by severe floods recently. Farming mussels and other bivalve molluscs can be a financially beneficial activity for small communities as mussels do not require feed. However, the initial cost of mussel farming can be limiting.