How to Clean Fresh Mussels
Cleaning mussels is a process of filtration and inspection. You must scrub the shells under cold running water to remove grit and barnacles, pull out the fibrous 'beard' protruding from the shell, and discard any that do not close firmly when tapped or squeezed.
Freshness is the primary safety measure.
Work with cold, running water and keep the mussels on ice if you aren't cooking them immediately after cleaning. Do not soak them in fresh water, as it will kill them.
- Stiff-bristled brush
- Large colander
- Clean kitchen towel
What goes in.
- 2 lbfresh mussels in shell
Removing the Byssus
The beard is a cluster of dark, fibrous threads used by the mussel to anchor itself to rocks. You must pull these firmly toward the hinge of the shell to remove them without tearing the mussel's flesh.
The method.
Initial Inspection
Place your mussels in a colander. Tap any that are open. If a shell does not snap shut instantly, throw it away. If it is broken or smells like anything other than the sea, discard it.
Scrubbing
Hold each mussel under cold running water. Use a stiff brush to scrub away sand, barnacles, or dried mud from the exterior of the shells.
De-bearding
Locate the hairy threads protruding from the side. Grip them firmly between your thumb and the blade of a paring knife or your fingers, and yank them toward the hinge end of the shell.
Final Rinse
Give the cleaned mussels one final quick rinse in cold water. Keep them chilled in the colander until you are ready to drop them into your pot.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Never store mussels in an airtight container; they need to breathe.
If a mussel remains open after cooking, discard it immediately.
A clean mussel should feel heavy for its size; if it feels light or hollow, it is likely dead.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I clean them ahead of time?
Clean them as close to the cooking time as possible. They are best when prepared within an hour of cleaning.
What if the beard doesn't pull out?
It happens. Use a paring knife to carefully scrape the base of the threads where they attach to the shell, then pull.
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