They call mussels the healthy gift of the sea. These mollusks are simple bivalve creatures, easily digestible by the human body. That is why they are used all over the world, although in some places they are just a delicacy, and in others they are an everyday food.
A clean living environment is important for them and they are sensitive and active filters for purifying seawater, while also capturing some toxins, which can harm the health of lovers of this seafood.
The benefits of consuming mussels are due to the exceptional composition of these mollusks. They contain almost all the beneficial substances that the body needs - omega - 3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B, C, A, D, phospholipids, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, iodine, amino acids, beneficial fatty acids.
Mussels support the health of the reproductive system, improve the health of women during menopause and are considered a dietary food suitable for many diseases such as diabetes, pancreatitis, gastritis, gout and others.
Mussels are an excellent source of protein, with a low calorie content and many beneficial substances. They pose a risk of poisoning if you come across a spoiled mussel, but following the basic and simple rules for their storage, preparation and consumption eliminates the risks.
Ways to prepare mussels
Mussels are thermally processed in all possible ways. They can be boiled, baked, cooked, stewed, fried and can even be served smoked. There is one type - Fina mussels, which are the only type of seafood that is consumed raw. They are eaten as they are, with a few drops of lemon.
The mussel meat is soft, tender, mild in taste and can be used both as a separate dish and as an addition to soups, snacks, salads, participating in a variety of recipes. Mussels go well with a large number of products that even better reveal their taste qualities.
Most popular dishes with mussels
Mussels go best with dishes such as fisherman's seafood soup, seafood dishes with rice or as a separate dish - stewed with white wine, parsley and garlic. Mussels with butter are a real delicacy, pleasing the palate with a unique sensation.
An interesting suggestion from culinary experts is breaded mussels with many spices such as garlic, black pepper, bay leaf, parsley and lemon juice.
Mussels go well with tomatoes, onions, olives in recipes for mussels with onions and tomatoes, mussels with tomato sauce and olives, baked mussels and marinated mussels and mussels with cream. Indeed, in this respect, mussels are unique among the rich seafood cuisine and products, many of which do not go well with fermented dairy products. In contrast, the delicate taste of mussels awakens perfectly with sour cream or cream sauces, which emphasize their tenderness.
Cooking mussels takes very little time, 2 or 3 minutes are enough for them to open up. Long cooking will only make them tough. This allows you to prepare not only different dishes, but also sauces that are a spectacular addition to dishes with a touch of the sea.
Wine and mussels make an incredible tandem, complementing and reinforcing each other. Many white wines emphasize the softness of the mussel. The salty flavor of the mussel is perfectly balanced by the fruity and floral aroma of the chilled wine served with mussels.
Find out what the proper way to eat mussels is.
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