Manila clams, Venerupis philippinarum, originated in Japan and arrived in the US when mixed among Pacific Oyster seed that was imported in the 1940's. These small hardshell clams have a mild sweet flavor and tender meaty flesh. They are less salty than their East Coast cousins. Manila clams previously harvested from the wild are also farmed to assure supply meets the increased demand. Farmed clams are typically 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" in diameter. Manila clams are harvested from the icy Pacific waters along the coast of northern California to Washington's Puget Sound.