National Fried Clam Day is a holiday observed annually on July 3rd that celebrates one of the tastiest New England foods anyone could ever try. Fried clams are a dish created in Massachusetts and have been enjoyed for over 181 years, although the holiday celebrating it wasn’t invented until 2015.

Anyone who wants to celebrate this holiday can go out and buy some fried clams, or they can make their own—if they’re so inclined. All we recommend is that anyone enjoying these little pieces of heaven should do so with a basket of fries, half a lemon, and, of course, some tartar sauce. Now that sounds like a meal to us.

Interesting Facts About Fried Clams

The thing we like more than fried clams is trivia, so we decided to combine our two true loves and list some fascinating fried clam trivia. We think the following bits of trivia are the perfect appetizer to go along with your beer and fried clams.

• There are over 12,000 clam species that can be found all around the world.
• Scientists found a clam in 2007 that was between 405 and 410 years old.
• The giant clam is the largest mollusk species in the world.
• Some giant clams can reach over 500 pounds.
• Fried clams were first mentioned in 1840.
• Fried clams were found on the Parker House hotel menu in 1865.
• They are usually served at seaside clam shacks.
• The main diet of clams is plankton, and they feed by filtering water.

Observing National Fried Clam Day

Fried clams are a dish best served among friends and family members, so make sure you have your entourage before heading out to celebrate this holiday. As we said, be sure to enjoy this holiday with some fries, a lemon wedge, and some tartar sauce.

Or, if you prefer, you can always enjoy it with a beer. Regardless of how you enjoy these fried morsels, just be sure to use the hashtag #NationalFriedClamDay on your social media accounts to spread the word about this holiday to everyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to enjoy fried clams.