How do I clean mussels properly? What else should I consider before eating them?
Mussels are a kind of shellfish that are eaten commonly in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. They are usually served either raw or cooked (usually roasted). These mollusks are famous for their high nutritional value and they are considered one of the kinds of seafood with the least amount of fat. Their meat is white and quite firm. To enjoy these tasty mollusks, you only have to remove the tough outer shells.
To prepare a dish of mussels, you can use two methods: cooking and cleaning. Both methods require you to put the mussels in water along with salt. After some time, you’ll notice that the shells start to open. This means that you can now take out the mussels and serve them. Let’s look at the steps below.
How to Clean Mussels
Step 1: Before starting our preparation, we would like to let you know that if you’re going to choose mussels from the market (not purchased), it will save you time – simply wash them under running water until all debris is removed. It is recommended not to soak them, as this could result in bacterial contamination.
Step 2: Once the mussels are cleaned and ready, go ahead to step 3.
Step 3: Start by cutting off the top part of the mussel, so that the muscle may be separated easily. You need to cut around the edge of the shell but never cut right through it, otherwise, you risk losing its natural flavor. Now, place the mussels on a tray lined with paper towels. Using a kitchen knife, slice carefully down into the center of each mussel using a rocking motion. If it does not break easily, try another knife; don’t forget about the edges though visit casino en ligne for more information.
When the mussels are opened up, rinse them under cold running water for a second time. The reason why you need to repeat rinsing under cold water twice is that the first rinsing process will not completely remove the sand particles stuck on the mussels.
Now, drain away excess moisture from the mussels after which transfer them into a container. Do note however that there must be enough room inside the container for the mussels to expand after being soaked in liquid. Remember to discard any broken shells and dead ones since they won’t provide any benefit to your meal.
Step 4: Finally, heat the oven according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Place the prepared mussels in an oven-proof pot and add enough cold water to cover the mussels by five inches. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. When the mussels are well done and opened, strain the contents into a bowl. If you’ve used wooden spoons to mix the ingredients, discard them afterward.
It is important to remember that cooking mussels should only happen when they are fully opened. If they were still closed, then they wouldn’t cook properly.
What Else Should I Consider Before Eating Them?
There are many other things that you need to keep in mind before consuming freshly harvested mussels. For starters, make sure that the area where you buy them has good quality freshness. Don’t purchase mussels that appear to be wilted or damaged. Moreover, avoid purchasing any mussels that stink.