How to Eat Mussels

Easy to prepare and eat, the mussel ranks as a popular seafood choice. Found in freshwater and the ocean, mussels provide a protein-rich meat full of vitamin B12 and iron. Served steamed, baked or raw, the mussel is a seafood enjoyed by many.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spices, butter and garlic

1. Purchase fresh mussels from a trusted seafood vendor. Choose mussels with unopened, unchipped shells. Use the mussels within two days of purchase for the best taste and food safety.

2. Soak the mussels in fresh water for 20 minutes. Clean the shell of sand and debris. Remove the "beard" from uncultivated mussels. Grab the beard and gently pull toward the hinged shell to loosen and remove.

3. Eat raw mussels soon after removing the beard to avoid food borne illness. Scoop the meat from the shell with a spoon or use the shell as a utensil.

4. Choose a method to cook the mussels. Steam the mussels in the shell until the shell opens. Remove the meat, toss with spices, butter, or garlic and serve. To bake mussels, remove the top shell and place it on a baking sheet. Add desired spices and bake.

Tips & Warnings

• Raw mussels carry bacteria that is harmful to people with a compromised immune system. Always wash hands, utensils and surfaces that come into contact with the mussels. After two days, discard uneaten mussels.

Resources

• The nutrition data website breaks down the nutritional values in many foods.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website offers information on food borne illness.

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