Mussels are among the preferred seafood and thanks to mussel farms, they can be consumed even in winter. In all cases, it is best to consume them fresh and very well cleaned, but in many cases this turns out to be impossible.
For this reason, we will give you some tips on how to preserve mussels by freezing and canning:
Storing mussels in the refrigerator
Usually, it is best to consume mussels the moment you purchase them. If you still do not have the opportunity, you should wrap them in wet paper or a towel and store them in the refrigerator, but not for more than 2 days.
They should not be wrapped too tightly, so that they can breathe and also should not be placed on the upper shelves where the temperatures in the refrigerator are lower. The most suitable are the compartments for fruit and vegetables.
Freezing mussels in a freezer
The easiest way to freeze mussels is by boiling them for 5 minutes in salted water, until their shells open. Then their fleshy part is strained and they are frozen on a tray or another plate separately, because otherwise they will stick to each other.
When they look frozen enough, you can take them out and put them in plastic bags, by making sure there is no air left in them. You can freeze the mussels cooked according to your favorite recipe, but if they are left in the freezer for too long, their taste qualities will deteriorate.
Storing mussels by canning
There are all sorts of recipes for canning mussels. Generally speaking, they can be preserved like fish, but the jars in which they are closed must be sterilized for at least 40 minutes. An easy and quick way to preserve is after you have boiled the mussels to remove the fleshy part and wash it well with cold water.
Then strain it and arrange the mussels in jars. Fill half of them with vinegar and half with olive oil, so that the olive oil remains on top.
If desired, you can add spices such as black pepper, bay leaf, dill, etc. After you have hermetically closed the jars, put them to boil for 40 minutes.
Also read how to boil mussels, how to clean mussels and what spices are added on the mussels.
