What do fresh mussels look like? How to soak and clean mussels

In daily life, when some people choose mussels, they always weigh them in their hands, thinking that the heavier ones are good and have more meat. Or they put them in water, thinking that the ones that sink to the bottom are good and have more meat. In fact, when mussels are in water, the water will naturally enter the open mussels, and the mussels will be heavier. Let's take a look at what fresh mussels look like!

Contents of this article

1. What do fresh mussels look like?

2. How to soak and clean mussels

3. How many minutes do you usually cook mussels?

What do fresh mussels look like?

1. You can choose clams with tightly closed shells and clams whose shells close when touched. If the shells of the clams are still open after touching, they are dead. This way you can select fresh and high-quality clams.

2. When choosing mussels, place your fingers on both sides of the mussels and gently push the mussel shell to see if it is loose. If it is not loose, it means that water has not entered the shell, which means it is good and has more meat.

When some people choose mussels, they always weigh them in their hands, thinking that heavier ones are better and have more meat. Or they put them in water, thinking that the ones that sink to the bottom are better and have more meat. In fact, when mussels are in water, the water will naturally flow into the open mussels, making them heavier.

Fresh mussels are not easy to preserve. Dried mussels made by boiling and then drying are sold in the market. When buying dried mussels, choose those that are neither too big nor too small and dark yellow in color. Mussels of medium size are more delicious. Do not choose mussels that are too big or too small, as they will not taste good.

How to soak and clean mussels

Put the dried mussels in a bowl, then add hot water. When they soften, you can take them out, remove the hairy black intestines and remove the sand. Then wash them in clean water and put them in a pot. Add clean water and simmer them over low heat. You can also pour in rice wine and soak them for 1 hour, then steam them for a while. Then soak the dried mussels in rice water for 20 minutes, and then wash them with clean water.

How many minutes do you usually cook mussels?

About 3 minutes.

To blanch the clams, usually put them into the pot after the water boils. This process only takes 3 minutes. Then take them out, drain the water and set aside.

About 10 minutes.

It takes about 10 minutes to cook clams in cold water. If the clams are larger or if you are cooking more clams, you can extend the cooking time appropriately.