How to Clean Mussels
Pick out and throw away any defective mussels., Soak the mussels., Remove the beards from the mussels., Remove the mussels from the water., Brush off any sand and debris 1 mussel at a time., Pat the mussels lightly with a clean towel to dry.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Pick out and throw away any defective mussels.
Mussels should be closed tightly.
Tap any open mussels lightly against the counter.
They should close up immediately, but if they do not close, throw them out.
Discard any other mussels with open shells.
Unwrap them from the bag or packaging as soon as they get home to allow them to breathe.
If they die before they are consumed, the mussels will be poisonous. -
Step 2: Soak the mussels.
Submerge the mussels in a bowl of clean, cool water.
Leave them to soak for 20 minutes.
While underwater, they will breathe and filter the water, which will begin to push out any sand or ocean minerals from inside their shells. , Little brown threads may be sticking out from between the 2 shells.
This is the beard.
Grasp the beard and pull it out and towards the hinge end of the mussel.
Remove it completely and discard. , Use a slotted spoon to take the mussels out of the bowl.
Place them in another clean bowl of water.
Do not reuse the first bowl by draining and refilling it.
Using the slotted spoon will help ensure that the sand from the water does not re-enter the mussel. , Pull them individually out of the second bowl of water and gently scrub at the shell.
Pick off any slime that may be clinging to the shell.
Rinse them off under running water. , Dump the bowls of water, and cook the mussels any way that is desired. -
Step 3: Remove the beards from the mussels.
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Step 4: Remove the mussels from the water.
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Step 5: Brush off any sand and debris 1 mussel at a time.
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Step 6: Pat the mussels lightly with a clean towel to dry.
Detailed Guide
Mussels should be closed tightly.
Tap any open mussels lightly against the counter.
They should close up immediately, but if they do not close, throw them out.
Discard any other mussels with open shells.
Unwrap them from the bag or packaging as soon as they get home to allow them to breathe.
If they die before they are consumed, the mussels will be poisonous.
Submerge the mussels in a bowl of clean, cool water.
Leave them to soak for 20 minutes.
While underwater, they will breathe and filter the water, which will begin to push out any sand or ocean minerals from inside their shells. , Little brown threads may be sticking out from between the 2 shells.
This is the beard.
Grasp the beard and pull it out and towards the hinge end of the mussel.
Remove it completely and discard. , Use a slotted spoon to take the mussels out of the bowl.
Place them in another clean bowl of water.
Do not reuse the first bowl by draining and refilling it.
Using the slotted spoon will help ensure that the sand from the water does not re-enter the mussel. , Pull them individually out of the second bowl of water and gently scrub at the shell.
Pick off any slime that may be clinging to the shell.
Rinse them off under running water. , Dump the bowls of water, and cook the mussels any way that is desired.
About the Author
Sandra Myers
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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