Do you like clamato juice? (lighter topic)

[Glassunion]

51. Clam juice is awesome.

I would not recommend drinking it straight, but is serves many uses.

But I'll answer your questions first...

What is it? - It is the liquid (water) from inside of the clam.
How do they get it? - Depends. Some will strain the liquid from fresh, raw shucked clams, while others cook the clam until it opens and then strain the juice. They do not put the clams in a juicer.

Yes, there is nutritional value. But not all that good. It is mostly sodium (about 100mg per tbsp), then protein and iron are lower on the list.

Now to the big question... What is the purpose of clam juice?
It is great in libations.
For example: Low Tide Martini, La Brea Tar Pit, Bloody Mary, or an Acapulco Clam Digger.

Food.
It can be used as a seasoning in place of salt, if you are looking for a hint of a brine flavor.
It can also be used in place of seafood stock in soups. In fact, (IMHO) clam chowder, or any shellfish bisque cannot be made without it.
My recipe for straight up steamers is quite simple, but requires clam juice. Otherwise the flavors are not there. I take chopped shallot along with minced garlic and lightly saute them in EV olive oil, then deglaze with a 50/50 mix of white wine and clam juice. Add the clams (scrubbed clean), and wait for them to just start to open, it then add a lot of butter and let it melt down while the clams are opening. Finish with a splash of white wine and chopped basil. I recommend enjoying with a good toasted garlic bread for soaking up the broth.

Woo science claims it can cure hangovers, digestive issues, headaches, and IIRC one doctor in the late 1800's used it as a therapy to cure delirium in a patient.