LORJUK, the Most Famous Clam in Madura

Have you ever heard the word lorjuk? If not, maybe you need to visit Madura to try this seafood. Similar to bamboo shells, lorjuk is no less tasty than other types of shells. The shape of the lorjuk resembles a knife, no wonder this clam is also named "Jackknife" in several countries. Specifically, lorjuk shells have a small body of about 2-3 inches which is elongated and pointed at one end.

LORJUK lives in muddy coastal habitats. This one sea animal survives by hiding in the sand and a little out in the low tide. Not all beaches are lorjuk habitats, these shells can only be found along flat and sloping beaches like in Pamekasan, Madura.

The process of catching lorjuk is quite difficult, fishermen in the Madura Coast area usually use a crowbar to get sand where lorjuk take shelter. In addition, the technique of sprinkling salt, soapy water, or limestone in the approved area is also one of the methods used to make it easier for surfaces to appear. To get lorjuk, fishermen need to wait for seawater to recede.

Besides being delicious, lorjuk also has the same high nutritional value as other shellfish. These low-calorie foods contain protein, omega 3, and also minerals that contain iodine and iron. With these variations, it just needs to be delicious to give is also good for health. Some of the benefits of lorjuk to prevent heart disease, reduce triglyceride levels, control cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, and help the body produce red blood cells.

Processing lorjuk into food

After the capture process, lorjuk must be processed on the same day. Because, if left too long, lorjuk will release fluids that must be avoided. The first step in processing lorjuk is to clean and boil it without air. When boiled, lorjuk will release liquid like broth that has a distinctive taste. Ripe crabs need to be dried in the sun. After drying, the lorjuk shell will peel off by itself making it easier to strip. The peeled lollipops are then dried again for two days. This drying provides natural durability for the flesh of lorjuk that will be processed.

Various kinds of food from Lorjuk

Lorjuk can be processed into various types of food or snacks. The cooking process is also varied, some process it by frying, sautéing, boiling, stir-fry, or by mixing it with other food ingredients such as beans and tempe.

In Madura itself, lorjuk is processed into a food called "mixed lorjuk" which is a kind of Soto that has a sweet and savory taste. Usually, lorjuk mix is ​​served with sambal and hot tea. This special Madura food is also very affordable, you only need to spend IDR 10,000 - IDR 15,000 for one serving of mixed lorjuk. Coming home from Madura, there's nothing wrong if you bring lorjuk souvenirs by buying fried lorjuk or rengginang lorjuk for family, friends, or coworkers in the office. No need to worry both of these foods will stale quickly. The reason, fried lorjuk, and rengginang lorjuk can last for months without preservatives.

With the delicious taste and various benefits that can be obtained from consuming lorjuk, then there's nothing wrong you need to try this special food when visiting Madura or Surabaya. Don't forget to bring a variety of processed lorjuk snacks to bring as souvenirs.

by Ach. Syaifuddin A