What is Mussel (Perna canaliculus)?

Mussel Mussel

Common names for Mussel

New Zealand green mussel, greenshell, greenlipped mussel

Other languages for Mussel

  • French name: Moule de Nouvelle Zélande
  • Italian name: Mitilo della Nuova Zelanda
  • German name: N/A

Introduction to Mussel

Green mussels are indigenous to New Zealand, where they have been exported to the United States since 1979. Greenshells are mussels that are farmed using ropes, rafts, or longlines. The New Zealand government strictly regulates growing standards, including water purity and production levels, to ensure that the product’s quality remains constant. Green mussels have a beautiful, elongated shell that is brownish-green on one end and green on the wide lip, which is broken by dark brown striations. The mussels may reach a length of over 8 inches, but they are typically 3 1/2 to 4 inches in market size. When live mussels are harvested, they are usually chilled to about 36°F and maintained at that temperature throughout the transportation process. Their shells are cleaned before to shipment, and in high-end facilities, they are hand-graded and packaged within hours after harvest. On the mussels, look for the grower’s name – a reliable indicator of safety and excellent quality.

Product profile for Mussel

Green mussels are delicious because they are sweet, soft, delicate, plump, and juicy. The hue of the meat ranges from apricot (female) to cream (masculine) (male). The flavor is unaffected by the hue. Individually fast frozen greenshells in the full or half shell are the most frequent way to seal in taste. They seldom include grit or sand since they are produced on ropes hanging above the bottom. The greenshell mussel’s shell, unlike the blue mussel’s, is somewhat open in its natural form, which New Zealanders call “smiling.” When the mussel is stressed, exposed to freshwater, or handled roughly, the shell shuts firmly.

Cooking tips for Mussel

Because frozen halfshells are already halfway cooked, you may top them with whatever topping you like before “finishing” the broiling or baking. The greatest results come from cooking from frozen over high heat. To open 1/4 inch, live green mussels simply need a little steam or heat. After that, serve with a vinaigrette dressing. Heated with Italian sauces and eaten with spaghetti, it’s also delicious. In casseroles, chowders, and salads, meats can be used whole or diced, or minced in terrines, patés, and quiches.

Nutrition facts for Mussel

Calories: 85 Fat Calories: 19 Total Fat: 2.1 g Saturated Fat: N/A Cholesterol: 27 mg Sodium: 429 mg Protein: 12 g Omega 3: 0.5 g

Primary product forms for Mussel

Live Fresh: Shucked meats, Frozen, Whole, Halfshell, Meats, Blocks Frozen (cooked or partially cooked): Whole, Halfshell, Meats Value-added: Marinated meats, Smoked meats, Stuffed, Pickled

Global supply for Mussel

New Zealand, Iran