How to Select Clams and Mussels
Clams and mussels are delicious and a cinch to prepare at home. While these can be found frozen, the taste and texture are nearly always better when they are fresh. When purchasing fresh, unshelled clams and mussels, it is extremely important to select only the freshest specimens. Unshelled clams and mussels must be alive when purchase and sometimes it may be difficult to tell if that is the case particularly when the shells are closed. There are a few things you should look for and a few things you should avoid. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Make sure the clams or mussels are cool. They should either be in a refrigerated case or on ice.
-
2
Inspect the shell. If the shells of the clams or mussels are slightly open, tap them lightly. They should slowly close. If they do not close when tapped, they may not be alive and should be avoided.
-
-
3
Slide the two halves of the shell together in any clam or mussel whose shell is closed. If the two halves slide slightly when you put pressure on them then the mussel or clam is probably not living and should be avoided. Living mussels and clams will clamp the two halves of the shell down so tightly they will not move.
-
4
Smell the clam or mussel. It should have a slight odor and smell fresh. Any clam or mussel that smells strongly or of ammonia should be avoided.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid purchasing clams and mussels that have already been unshelled. Although this is sometimes easier, the clams or mussels may not be very fresh.
