What is the essential purpose of the vigorous rinse under cold, running water after soaking?
Answer
To wash away clinging exterior dirt or residual sand from the initial soak.
The rinsing step following the soaking period serves as a critical secondary cleaning stage. Even if the internal grit has been expelled into the bathwater, the exterior of the shells might still have external dirt or loosened sand clinging to them from when they were handled or from the initial soak water. Running the cockles under cold, clean, running water ensures that any debris adhering to the outside surfaces is thoroughly washed away, preventing this residual exterior dirt from entering the cooking vessel or the final dish.

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