The Forktionary Angle
"Mussels Masterclass: From Ocean Floor to Flavorful Feast."
Definition
Bivalve mollusks with dark, elongated shells, highly prized for their tender, briny, and slightly sweet meat, often steamed or sautéed.
Flavor Profile
The primary flavor notes for Mussels are:
Chef’s Secret
Before cooking, give mussels a final rinse in ice water to encourage them to close tightly, indicating freshness.
Best Substitutes
Clams
Oysters
Scallops
Buying Guide
Look for mussels with tightly closed shells; discard any that are open and don't close when tapped.