Mussels
What are mussels and how do you cook them? Included here are: tips for making the best mussels, which ones are the best to buy, and easy recipes!
What are mussels?
They are a bivalve mollusk (much like oysters or clams) that live in the saltwater areas of the Atlantic coast. The shell is usually dark in color (blue , brown or black) and the inside is a light fleshy color, usually cream or pink.
Mussels are one of the easiest dishes to make at home as either an appetizer or an entree. They are nutritious and low in calories, making them ideal for those leading a healthy lifestyle and wanting to cut down fat without losing flavor.
How to Cook Mussels
Cooking them at home can be intimidating to some folks, but it is actually really easy. Here are a few simple steps to ensure perfect mussels every time!
- Start with Prince Edward Island Mussels. They are known for being consistently delicious, sustainably farmed and affordable. The tag on your bag of mussels will tell you where they were caught. Look for the code “PE” to signify Prince Edward Island.
- They should be prepared within a few days of purchasing. Store them on ice or in the refrigerator with the bag open. Remember, they are still living and need to breathe to stay good. Don’t suffocate them.
- Rinse them in cold water. scrubbing their shells with a potato brush to remove any debris or seaweed. Discard any with broken shells or that are already open prior to steam.
- Do not oversteam them. People tend to want to steam little longer to “make sure they are done,” but this can also ruin your meal. They are done when the shells are open, which only takes about 4-5 minutes. Which also makes them one of the quickest meals out there!
