PrintMussels and Mussels, alive alive o!
When I buy mussels, I always throw away the ones which are gaping open, but what about the ones where you can slide the shells against each other but they're not really open? This accounts for at least 1/3 of the mussels in some bags. Do I need to throw them away?
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6 Comments:
Annien, I think there might be a typo for the mussel problem (slde?) We're such a talkative bunch that when there's no comment, usually it means we don't understand the question! Can you rephrase describing what your mussels look like when you are worried about them? If they're alive, usually they will shut quickly when tapped or when you put them on ice, btw. Hope that helps!
Teachertalk at 12:54PM on 07/31/07
The first problem is that I mis-spelled "Mussels". Sorry, folks.
What I mean: I take the mussel out of the net bag in which they are sold, I hold it tight with my thumb on the upper shell and other fingers on the lower, and I try to separate the shells by forcing them in iopposite directions.
Some mussels will not budge. Others will slide a few millimeters.
The ones that slide don't actually open, i.e. I can't see the mussel inside the shell.
Thanks for your help. I was wondering why there were no answers!
annien at 1:09PM on 07/31/07
Don't throw away the gaping ones without tapping on the shell. If the mussel is still alive, the shell will close.
The ones that won't open are probably holding the shell closed with their adductor mussels. If the shell were filled with mud (or a dead mussel) it would open easily.
Cathy at 4:32PM on 07/31/07
Oh hell, did I just type 'adductor mussel'?? And it's only Tuesday.
That should be 'muscle,' folks.
Cathy at 4:35PM on 07/31/07
Great advice Cathy. :) I'll add to your advice by saying that you definitely don't want to rinse or 'de-beard' the mussels until you're ready to immediately cook them...
cheffy at 12:27PM on 08/01/07
Thanks folks!
Mussels for dinner tonight, I think...
annien at 2:22PM on 08/01/07