Rye-based registered dietitian Bryony Campion MSc on scallops and their dietary benefits...

“Marine molluscs have been eaten for their aphrodisiac properties since Roman times.

“The ancient physician Galen prescribed oysters for declining sexual desire, Casanova was said to have breakfasted on 50 a day and Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, floated ashore on a scallop shell.

“Studies in 2005 showed that oysters – a relative of scallops – are high in the amino acids D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). These have previously been shown to increase sex hormone production when administered to animals, which could in turn increase sexual activity.

“Professor George Fisher of Barry University, Miami, which carried out the study, said although this was by no means conclusive it may be ‘the first scientific evidence of some substance’ in this area.

“However the researchers stressed that to be most effective, the shellfish would need to be consumed raw, as cooking would reduce the quantity of the D-Asp and NDMA molecules.

“Scallops are known to be a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both important as part of a healthy diet, and are high in essential vitamins and minerals, such as B12, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium.

“They are also a moderately good source of zinc, a mineral important for the production of healthy sperm, with a four-ounce portion providing more than 20% of the daily requirement.

“So, although the scientific jury is still out as to whether shellfish can directly improve your sex life, scallops can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet to help you feel and stay well.”

For more information, visit ukdietitian.co.uk/dietitians/ bryony-campion-regietered-dietitian/

Top 5 highlights...

1. A Fisherman’s Trail

More than 100 Rye shops will be showing their support for Rye Bay Scallop Week by displaying a scallop shell provided by artist Glenda Procter in their shop window.

To complete the trail, young visitors have to find 20 shells and list what is in each shop’s shell to win a chocolate bar. Forms and instructions are available from the website or from Rye Tourist Information Centre in Lion Street.

2. Rye Bay Scallop and Seafood Hands-On Cookery Day

For the ninth year, Webbe’s Scallop School at The Fish Cafe in Tower Street is offering three opportunities to prepare and eat a six-course lunch based around scallops and seafood on Monday, February 17, Tuesday, February 18, or Monday, February 24, from 9.15am to 3.30pm.

Book a place, which costs £95, by calling 01797 222226.

3. Fisherman’s Scallop Taster

Just 12 hours after the scallops have arrived on the boats, Botterells will be cooking pan-fried scallops with smoked haddock and black pepper as part of Rye Farmers’ Market.

The market, on Wednesday, February 19, from 10am until noon, on The Strand Quay, also features a wide range of locally-grown seasonal produce.

4. Live music programme

Bands are playing venues across Rye and beyond throughout Rye Bay Scallop Week.

Popular venues include The Queen’s Head in Landgate, which plays host to The Mercurials, Talisman and Penguin; Ypres Castle Inn in Gun Garden with The Big Blue Band, Tener Duede, The Fabulous Red Diesel and The Desert Turkeys; and The Five Bells Inn, in The Street, East Brabourne, with Phil Tong, Richard And Larry, and Steffan James.

5. What a Load of Scallops Race

Traditionally the closing event of Rye Bay Scallop Week, The Ship Inn in The Strand provides the gathering point at 10am and finishing line for the sixth annual wheelbarrow race on Sunday, February 23.

The teams of two to four start from the quayside at Rye Bay Fish at 11am, each paying £10 each to take part. All proceeds from the race are going to the RNLI.

For more information, email theo@theshipinnrye.co.uk

Where to eat...

A total of 25 different restaurants, bars and bistros are offering scallop-themed menus during Rye Bay Scallop Week.

In Rye these include the Landgate Bistro and The Queen’s Head Inn in Landgate; Rye Lodge Hotel in Hilder’s Cliff; The George Tap, The George Grill, Hayden’s Coffee Shop and The Ambrette in High Street; The Old Grain Store, Simply Italian and The Ship Inn in The Strand; Ypres Castle Inn in Gun Garden; The Mermaid Inn in Mermaid Street; Ye Olde Bell Inn and Marino’s Fish Bar in The Mint; The Union Steakhouse in East Street; Webbe’s At The Fish Cafe in Tower Street; and The Waterside Inn at The River Haven Hotel, in Quayside.

Those taking part outside the town include St Clement’s Restaurant in St Leonards, The Ship in Winchelsea Beach, Flackley Ash Restaurant in Peasmarsh, The Bell in Iden, The White Dog Inn in Ewhurst Green, The Plough in Cock Marling, The Five Bells Inn in East Brabourne and The Ferry Inn in Stone in Oxney, Kent.

  • For more information, visit scallop.org.uk