Soaking scallops in phosphate solution

by Melissa
(San Diego, CA)

I have purchased scallops twice at a local grocery chain when they were advertised as fresh. Both times, under different cooking methods, they had a bitter, almost metallic taste. Could this taste have been caused by the soaking solution you mention under "Scallop Facts" even though I rinsed them?

Answer

Hi Melissa

People with sensitive taste buds can detect this phosphate solution. I can't really say for sure if the Scallops you purchased had this solution.

Rinsing them probably will not help. To avoid this problem in the future I would just go back to the store and ask them if there Scallops are fresh and never have been frozen. Fresh scallops will not have this phosphate solution. If they have been frozen and thawed, ask them if they are dry pack scallops. Dry packed Scallops means there is no phosphate solution in them.

I hope I helped you out.

Thanks for visiting the cookingfishmonger.

Frank