So, what makes a scallop good? For starters, it's all about the freshness - a good scallop should have a sweet, ocean-like smell, and a firm, springy texture. When you cook a good scallop, it should be tender, but still have a bit of chew to it, like a perfectly cooked steak.
But, what about the way it's caught, or farmed? Does that make a difference? The answer is yes - scallops that are dredged or caught using unsustainable methods can be damaged, or even contaminated with bad stuff like mercury or other pollutants.