The scarcity and consequent exorbitant
prices of Italian clams, usually a staple of Christmas Eve
seafood spaghetti suppers, have changed festive menus this year
after an invasion of the alien blue crab decimated clam stocks.
Many Italians are instead turning to the smaller sea lupins in
planning their Xmas Eve feasts, when meat is off the menu for
traditional and religious reasons. Lupins have a harder shell
and are less vulnerable to the highly aggressive blue crab,
which has wreaked havoc this year in Italy's main clam growing
grounds in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna.
Homegrown oysters will also play a bigger part in festive fare
this year.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
