Mussels are a quick and easy meal to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways including steaming and boiling, but we need to be sure they are clean and grit free if we are to enjoy them fully. Read on and find out how to clean mussels effectively.
You will find that some purchased mussels will be easier to clean than others, it depends on whether they are farmed or wild. Wild mussels will have barnacles and other residue attached to the shells and this will need to be removed before cooking, as will the "beard" in the lip of the mussel.
It is also important to be sure that the mussels are alive before cooking, dead mussels may be unsafe to eat, read below on checking for dead mussels. http://www.helpwithcooking.com/seafood-shellfish/how-to-cook-mussels.html
So with just a small knife and a scrubbing brush you are ready to clean those mussels.
Cleaning and Sorting Mussels
The mussels used in this video demonstration are farmed mussels, which are typically barnacle free, and therefore easier to clean.
The demonstrator shows how to look for broken or cracked mussel shells, which need to be discarded. He also shows how a mussel, that is open prior to cooking, should close immediately if you tap it sharply.
Removing the beard is also demonstrated here, using a paring knife to ease the process.
Step 1: Checking for Dead Mussels
- Take each mussel and check that the shell is not broken or cracked, if you find any, discard them.
- If you find any mussels that are slightly open, they should close when you tap them sharply. If they do not they are dead and you should discard them.
- Once cooked a mussel should be open. Any that remain closed were probably dead before the cooking process, these should be discarded. http://www.helpwithcooking.com/seafood-shellfish/how-to-cook-mussels.html
Step 2: Descaling and Scrubbing
- Using a small sharp knife, scrape any scale or barnacle residue off the shells.
- Take a small scrubbing brush (an old toothbrush will do) and thoroughly scrub each mussel.
Step 3: Debearding and Washing
- Sharply pull any "beard" out of the lower edge of the mussel shell, use a small sharp knife to assist with this if they prove to be stubborn.
- Rinse each mussel off, under cold running water if possible, or rub between fingers in a bowl of cold clean water. http://gourmet-ingredients.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_buystoreclean_mussels
Your mussels are now ready to use in your favorite dish.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Use an old toothbrush for scrubbing the mussels
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Fact:
If the beard proves difficult to remove, use a small sharp knife to ease the process
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Fact:
Mussels which are dead prior to cooking may be unsafe to eat, discard any that dont close when tapped sharply or have broken shells
