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Essay All About Mussels

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Mussels are a type of shellfish called bivalves. Bivalves are molluscs that are enclosed by a shell in two hinged parts. They include clams, oysters, and scallops. Mussels grow in colonies that attach themselves to rocks, pilings, or other hard surfaces with their “beards”. However, most commercial cultivated mussels are grown on hanging ropes. There are many types of mussels; and that they are very nutritious as well as they can be cooked in many different ways. Also they are enjoyed around the world. Even though there are many types of mussels available in markets, they can all be used interchangeably. The three main types of mussels are Mediterranean, Blue, and Green-lip. Mediterranean mussels are known for their wide shells and …show more content…

Additionally, not only are mussels delicious to eat, they are easy to cook and can be cooked in a variety of ways such as steaming, roasting, grilling, boiling, smoking, and deep-frying. However, the easiest way to cook these delicious molluscs is steaming. This method requires the steam created from the cooking liquid to cook the mussels. The cooking liquid can be clam juice, salty water, wine, or even beer. For this method, the cooking liquid is combined with herbs such as rosemary or sage and softened shallots (cooking them in butter or oil for few minutes). The mussels are placed into the saucepan after they are washed and given a good scrub. However, mussels that are opened when tapped on a counter or chipped or cracked must be discarded. Then the saucepan is placed on high heat for a few minutes. Mussels are finished cooking when most of the shells are opened, about 5 minutes. However, there may be some that stay closed after cooking. These, just like the broken shell mussels, must be discarded. Moreover, mussels are great for grilling. Just heat grill to hot and place the whole mussels on the grill. When the mussels start to open, they are done and ready to eat. Just finish them with a sprinkle of ground black pepper. If mussels are cooked this way, they are surely going to be devoured before they are able to reach the dinner table. Mussels can also be pan-roasted. Place the mussels in a hot pan

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