Mussels are one of the most popular delicacies today. They have long been eaten to saturate the body with the missing elements. Mussels are loved by many for their low calorie content, easy digestibility and original taste. They are able to replace meat, suitable for all categories of people.

The composition and nutritional value of mussels

The mussel belongs to the family of mollusks; a live mollusk hides in a bivalve shell. People consume only the edible part (the mantle and muscle of the mollusk) as food.

Interestingly, mussels contain practically no carbohydrates and fats. Meat is a solid protein and amino acids. In view of these features, mussels are eaten by people involved in sports and who want to lose weight.

Dietary qualities do not negate the fact that mussels contain a lot of mineral elements, vitamins, and dietary fiber. The composition concentrates magnesium, sodium, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, iron. Mussels are not deprived of cobalt and boron, which a person needs for the proper functioning of all organs and systems.

There are many vitamins in the delicacy, but a special place is occupied by retinol, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, B-group vitamins (pyridoxine, thiamine, folic and pantothenic acids, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin and others).

Mussels contain a lot of glycogen, which controls blood sugar levels. This animal starch helps people with diabetes lead full lives.

In addition, mussels contain polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega 3 and 6. They are necessary for the immune system and blood formation processes.

Mussels gained their popularity due to their low calorie content, which is only 76 kcal. per serving of 100 gr. In terms of taste, mollusks resemble rabbit meat and chicken.

The benefits of mussels

1. Valuable qualities mainly manifest themselves in dietetics. However, no one forbids consuming the delicacy in everyday life. After two weeks of systematic use, the hair looks noticeably healthier, brittle nails disappear.
2. Mussels are an excellent source of calcium. Protein protects bones from brittleness, prevents arthritis and relieves existing joint pain. Naturally, these qualities are effective only in combination with medicines. Shellfish meat supports the effect of the latter.
3. Potassium and magnesium are responsible for the production of red blood cells, increase blood flow, remove cholesterol in the form of plaques from the cavity of the blood channels. Due to these properties, mussels should be included in the diet of people who have a risk of developing heart pathologies and atherosclerosis.
4. Due to the incoming antioxidants, the body is cleansed and rejuvenated. Mussels massively remove toxic compounds, radionuclides, salts. They also fight old feces, prevent food from fermenting in the intestines.
5. In the composition of mussels, substances have been noticed that are often introduced into medicines for cancer. Shellfish prevent the development of malignant tumors, because they block the flow of blood and oxygen to cancer cells.
6. The positive qualities of mussels as an aphrodisiac are known. So, the composition increases potency, enhances sexual desire, controls reproductive activity.
7. Mussels are responsible for the strength of teeth, nails, hair. They improve skin condition by maintaining water balance. In general, shellfish tone the body, as they say, on all fronts. Apathy, fatigue, irritability disappear.
8. It is useful for the fair sex to know that eating mussels will save you from pain during the menstrual cycle. In addition, the delicacy will raise hemoglobin by replenishing the missing iron in the blood.
9. Shellfish are famous for their ability to increase all metabolic processes, which is why they are actively used for weight loss. When ingested, the product is quickly absorbed and absorbed into the walls of the esophagus.

Mussels are included in the daily diet of people who are obese, trying to lose weight or just keep the body in good shape. Two main shellfish-based diets are known today - the "Monodiet" and the "Mediterranean".

mono diet

1. This method of losing weight involves eating protein foods obtained from the depths of the sea. Protein diet provides a sharp weight loss, so it is considered tough.
2. Methods of such a plan cannot be followed for longer than 4 days, otherwise you will heavily burden the kidneys. It is recommended to go on such a diet for those who have already pumped up and want to burn fat.
3. To start losing weight, make a menu of 5 meals. Don't count calories, it's optional. Combine mussels with other sea cocktails. Stew, boil, steam foods, supplement with vegetables.
4. Don't go for too big portions. It is better to eat more often, but a little bit. In between meals, drink kefir, freshly squeezed juices or fruits.

mediterranean diet

1. The technique is designed for 1400 kcal. per day. The diet should be made up of 5 meals, 2 of them are seafood (in particular mussels).
2. Durum wheat pasta, sprouted rice and wheat, buckwheat are allowed for use. Also, mussels must be combined with fresh vegetables.
3. Salads with boiled mussels are seasoned with olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Be sure to eat low-fat cheeses every day, drink and eat milk, eggs.
4. With all this, it is important to eliminate red meat from the diet completely. It is replaced by fish or shellfish. Mussels do not have to be eaten daily, 3-4 times a week is enough. Weight loss continues until the result is achieved.

The benefits and harms of mussels during pregnancy

1. Mussels are considered the strongest allergen, so if you have an allergic reaction, seafood is contraindicated. It is not recommended to eat mussels during the lactation period.
2. In the absence of contraindications, mussels during gestation will bring enormous benefits to the body. Seafood has a minimum calorie content and a record percentage of essential trace elements.
3. Unique enzymes keep the mother healthy and help the fetus develop properly. Mussels are much easier to digest by the body compared to pork and lamb. Also seafood is more nutritious.
4. Regular eating of mussels will saturate the body with a large amount of protein. The enzyme is necessary for the full development of the baby. The chemical composition of mussels is many times greater than any animal meat.
5. Polyunsaturated fatty acids help pregnancy to proceed properly. The fair sex will not face a digestive problem when eating mussels.
6. In this case, it is important not to overeat seafood. It contains a large amount of cholesterol. The substance does not have the best effect on the body.
7. Buy a quality product, otherwise you can get poisoned. It is important to cook mussels exclusively on fire. Thus, the product is safe for the body.

1. High levels of protein are invaluable in the diet of athletes. With serious physical exertion, the body is severely depleted and needs protein. It can be replenished with a serving of seafood.
2. Mussels are low in calories yet highly nutritious. In addition, regular eating of the product can significantly reduce the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
3. Since the product contains a lot of proteins, mussels simply need to be included in the menu of people involved in sports. The delicacy will strengthen bones, accelerate the growth of muscle mass, give energy and strength. Incoming amino acids will help you recover faster after a workout.

The benefits and harms of mussels for children

1. Mussels are strong allergens, so the product is not recommended for children under 3 years old. After this age, it is necessary to consult with a pediatrician. Then you can gradually give the seafood to the child.
2. In the absence of allergies, the product will be extremely useful for the growing body. As described earlier, mussels are rich in high-quality, easily digestible protein. The enzyme is essential for normal tissue development.
3. In addition, shellfish are saturated with calcium and phosphorus, which are also indispensable for the child. Mussels contain the necessary amount of enzymes that will support the child's body throughout the day.

Harm of mussels

1. It is forbidden to consume shellfish meat for people who suffer from poor blood clotting. The composition strongly thins the blood.
2. Due to the high nutritional value, the product is contraindicated for consumption in some cases.
3. This is due to the fact that mussels in nature filter sea water and pass through a large number of harmful compounds and impurities. As a result, chemical compounds are concentrated in the meat of shellfish.
4. Currently, mussels that go on sale are washed in running water in advance. Thus, their meat becomes completely safe. It is forbidden to immediately consume a freshly caught product. Meat can be toxic.

Undoubtedly, mussels will benefit the body if you eat a quality product. In this case, you should not abuse shellfish. Pay special attention to product selection. Familiarize yourself with contraindications, cook the dish wisely. Make sure you don't have an allergic reaction.

Video: the benefits and harms of mussels

Today we will talk about shellfish. Rather, about one of the representatives of this numerous species. Quite often you can hear questions from housewives about how to cook frozen mussels, how they are useful, what can be cooked from them. Today we will try to answer these questions. We hope that our advice will be useful to you.

Mussels belong to the class Bivalves. Their shell can be from five to twenty centimeters in size. Different species and subspecies have different shapes. Moreover, they also have different life spans. live thirty years, northern mussels - ten, and the shortest life path She has only five or six years of life.

Currently, mussels are grown artificially, on platforms right in the sea. The larvae themselves are fixed on the platform - it remains only to place them in a suitable pool, protecting them from bad weather and strong currents. After eighteen months (a considerable period), the mussels will reach the required size, and they can be caught. Up to three kilograms of mollusks are harvested from one small platform.

"Oysters for the poor"

Before talking about how to cook frozen mussels, I would like to tell you how they are useful. The meat part (muscle) and the liquid in the shell are used as food. They are usually sold frozen. You can “meet” fresh mussels only in Odessa on Privoz.

They contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. The calorie content of one hundred grams of the product is approximately 86 kcal. Mussels contain a huge amount of protein (much more than fish or beef), iron and phosphorus.

Contraindications

This delicacy can cause very severe allergies. In addition, mussels are contraindicated for those who have bleeding disorders.

How to cook frozen mussels

It is quite easy to do this. We’ll make a reservation right away that today you can buy frozen and boiled-frozen mussels on sale. If you bought the second option, then the question should not bother you. They must be thawed naturally, rinsed thoroughly in running water to wash away the remnants of grains of sand and pebbles. That's all, you can start preparing your dish.

If someone asks you how much to cook boiled-frozen mussels, feel free to answer that you should not do this. This is perhaps the fastest way to cook shellfish. Many will be surprised - no need to cook, then frozen? You can use them as an appetizer - put the meat on one of the halves of the shell, pour over with lemon juice and garnish with herbs. Or stew them with onions and add any of the side dishes listed below.

Frozen mussels: how to cook

Make it simple. The main thing is not to digest them. Put the seafood in a saucepan, cover with two glasses of cold water, close the lid and put on the maximum fire. It is not necessary to add salt to the water, because the mussel shell is filled with salt water. After a while, the water will boil, and the shells will open under the influence of high temperatures. Before the start of cooking, water was added a little, because a sufficient amount of liquid would flow out of the opened shells. It is important to ensure that absolutely all the shells open. The meat will curl up and take on a characteristic shape - you will immediately see this. The cooking process is approximately twenty minutes.

Meat processing

Usually this is easy to do. The meat comes out of the shell easily. But sometimes there are bundles of "threads" with which mussels are attached to stones. They should be cut off, the rest is quite edible. Now you know how to cook frozen mussels - cooking them is not particularly difficult. Even the most inexperienced housewife will cope with such work.

Peeled mussels - it is necessary to know that you can defrost them only once. In addition, it is necessary to prepare the planned dish within twenty-four hours after defrosting - otherwise they will deteriorate.

To everyone who is concerned about the question of how to cook peeled frozen mussels, we inform you that this can be done in several ways. The only thing to remember is that mussels should be cooked for no more than seven minutes from the moment the water boils. Overcooked clams become "rubber". Cooking frozen mussels is not at all difficult.

Method number 1

How to cook peeled frozen mussels in wine?

You will need:

• mussels defrosted at room temperature;
• a glass of white wine;
• seasonings for seafood, salt, pepper, herbs.

Add seasonings to a saucepan with wine, lower the mussels, cover with a lid and cook for five minutes over low heat. Clams cooked in this way are an independent dish. Don't overdo the seasonings. Should taste like seafood. Before serving, they can be lightly sprinkled with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Method number 2

Many have heard about this recipe, but still they often ask how to cook mussel meat frozen in milk. We will be happy to tell you about this method. You will need enough milk to completely cover the mussels. It must first be brought to a boil. Dip the prepared mussels into it, boil for five minutes and finally salt to taste. Spicy lovers can add pepper.

If you do not know what to cook from frozen mussels, then use our advice. Clams cooked according to this recipe go well with potatoes, rice, pasta. In addition, they can become an ingredient for preparing various salads.

Method number 3

Many will like this particular recipe - it is very simple, and the result is always excellent. How to cook frozen mussels in another way? Pour about 2/3 cup of olive oil into the pan, add the fish spices you like best, mix well. Bring the oil to a boil over low heat and drop the clams into it. Put the mussels boiled in oil on a cloth napkin to remove excess fat. They turn out very soft and juicy.

Today we want to present you some interesting recipes that use mussels. Let's start, as expected, with a salad. First we will prepare a salad with mussels and rice. It will take 45 minutes of your time. To make six servings, you will need:

• 600 g frozen mussels;
• 6 tablespoons (tablespoons) of olive oil;
• 150 g rice, long grain is better;
• 8 pcs. cherry tomatoes;
• 2 chicken eggs;
• one bay leaf;
• 20 g parsley;
• pepper and sea salt to taste.

Boil thawed mussels in milk, after adding a bay leaf, peppercorns and salt. Boil hard boiled eggs and cut them into slices, cut the tomatoes into two parts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, salt, vinegar and pepper, dress the salad and toss. If you find the salad looking pale, add a pinch of turmeric or curry while you cook the rice.

Cheese soup with seafood

For five servings you will need:

• potatoes - 3 pcs.;
• onions - 1 pc.;
• processed cheese - 1 pc.;
• carrots - 1 pc.;
• dried garlic - 1.5 teaspoons;
• crackers - 150 g;
• boiled peeled shrimp - 150 g;
• dry garlic - 1.5 teaspoons;
• frozen mussels - 200 g.

Peel carrots, onions and potatoes and boil them in salted water. Pour off about 100-150 g of vegetable broth. Puree the vegetables using a blender. Cut the cheese into small cubes, melt it in the broth. Stirring constantly, add this mixture to the soup. Boil for about 5 minutes more, adding dried garlic. Divide the cooked shrimp and mussels between bowls and pour over the soup. Sprinkle croutons on top. You will need 40 minutes to prepare the soup.

Mussels in garlic cream sauce

This delicious dish belongs to French cuisine. You can cook it in fifteen minutes (4 servings). You will need:

• 500 g frozen mussels;
• Provence herbs and garlic to taste;
• 30 g butter;
• 200 g 10% cream.

Peel and chop the garlic, melt the butter in a pan, add the garlic to it, then reduce the heat to low and simmer it for 1 minute. Make sure it doesn't burn. Add the defrosted mussels to the garlic, pepper and add the French herbs. After about seven minutes, pour in the cream and continue to simmer. If the cream does not immediately thicken, add a little flour. The dish is best served with rice or pasta.

Fried mussels with teriyaki sauce

The dish takes 30 minutes to prepare. Today we will prepare two servings. Prepare the following foods:

• 200 g thawed mussels;
• a glass of rice;
• 1 bell pepper;
• fenugreek, coriander, cumin and teriyaki sauce to taste.

Dip the thawed mussels for three minutes in boiling water. You can pour boiling water over the clams. Throw on a sieve, dry. Boil rice until done. Heat the pan well, fry the onion. Add bell pepper to it. Leave the vegetables in the pan for another five minutes. Then you can add the mussels and fry them until a light crust appears. Do not forget to stir the products constantly.

Now it's time for the teriyaki sauce. Keep the dish on the fire for another two minutes - and our mussels are ready.

Put the pre-cooked rice in a well-heated frying pan, add spices to it and fry it thoroughly. Put rice and mussels with vegetables on a plate - and you can serve dinner.

Cook mussels in green garlic oil. It needs mussels in the shell. Whether they're fresh or frozen, it doesn't matter. For 12 mussels, soften 125 grams of butter so that it can be stirred with a fork. Mince three cloves of garlic with salt. Combine it with chopped dill, parsley, cilantro (you can use any you like) and soft butter. Add two tablespoons of dry wine to this. Finally, salt and pepper the oil. Then spread this oil on the halves of the mussel shells laid out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with breadcrumbs on top. After that, the mussels go to the oven. Baking time - ten minutes (temperature 200 degrees).

Today you learned a little more about these now popular clams. Now you know how much to cook boiled-frozen mussels, what can be cooked from them, how this delicacy is useful.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS

Nutritional value and chemical composition "Mussels".

The table shows the content of nutrients (calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) per 100 grams of the edible part.

Energy value mussels is 77 kcal.

Main source: Skurikhin I.M. etc. Chemical composition of foodstuffs. .

** This table shows the average norms of vitamins and minerals for an adult. If you want to know the norms based on your gender, age and other factors, then use the My Healthy Diet application.

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USEFUL PROPERTIES OF MUSSELS

mussels rich in vitamins and minerals such as: choline - 13%, vitamin B12 - 400%, vitamin PP - 18.5%, potassium - 12.4%, phosphorus - 26.3%, iron - 17.8%, manganese - 170%, selenium - 81.5%, zinc - 13.3%

What is useful Mussels

• Choline is part of lecithin, plays a role in the synthesis and metabolism of phospholipids in the liver, is a source of free methyl groups, acts as a lipotropic factor.
• Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the metabolism and transformations of amino acids. Folate and vitamin B12 are interrelated vitamins involved in hematopoiesis. A lack of vitamin B12 leads to the development of partial or secondary folate deficiency, as well as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
• Vitamin PP participates in redox reactions of energy metabolism. Inadequate vitamin intake is accompanied by a violation of the normal state of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.
• Potassium is the main intracellular ion involved in the regulation of water, acid and electrolyte balance, is involved in the processes of nerve impulses, pressure regulation.
• Phosphorus takes part in many physiological processes, including energy metabolism, regulates the acid-base balance, is part of phospholipids, nucleotides and nucleic acids, is necessary for the mineralization of bones and teeth. Deficiency leads to anorexia, anemia, rickets.
• Iron is a part of proteins of various functions, including enzymes. Participates in the transport of electrons, oxygen, ensures the occurrence of redox reactions and activation of peroxidation. Insufficient consumption leads to hypochromic anemia, myoglobin deficiency atony of skeletal muscles, increased fatigue, myocardiopathy, atrophic gastritis.
• Manganese participates in the formation of bone and connective tissue, is part of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, catecholamines; necessary for the synthesis of cholesterol and nucleotides. Insufficient consumption is accompanied by growth retardation, disorders in the reproductive system, increased fragility of bone tissue, disorders of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
• Selenium- an essential element of the antioxidant defense system of the human body, has an immunomodulatory effect, participates in the regulation of the action of thyroid hormones. Deficiency leads to Kashin-Bek's disease (osteoarthritis with multiple deformities of the joints, spine and limbs), Keshan's disease (endemic myocardiopathy), and hereditary thrombasthenia.
• Zinc is part of more than 300 enzymes, is involved in the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nucleic acids and in the regulation of the expression of a number of genes. Insufficient intake leads to anemia, secondary immunodeficiency, liver cirrhosis, sexual dysfunction, and fetal malformations. Recent studies have revealed the ability of high doses of zinc to disrupt the absorption of copper and thereby contribute to the development of anemia.

You can see a complete directory of the most useful products in the application - a set of properties of a food product, in the presence of which the physiological needs of a person for the necessary substances and energy are satisfied.

vitamins, organic substances needed in small amounts in the diet of both humans and most vertebrates. The synthesis of vitamins is usually carried out by plants, not animals. The daily human need for vitamins is only a few milligrams or micrograms. Unlike inorganic substances, vitamins are destroyed by strong heating. Many vitamins are unstable and "lost" during cooking or food processing.

The waters of the oceans are inhabited by a variety of creatures. Some of them, mussels, have long been recognized as tasty and healthy food, despite their unsightly appearance. Initially, they were used as food by poor fishermen, who could not afford beef and pork. Later, the unique delicate taste of these was tasted by the nobility, and mussels appeared on rich tables, complementing the extensive diet. Many people neglect these seafood because of their specific look and texture. In this article, we will consider the beneficial properties of these bivalves, their significant differences from oyster clams and the effect on the human body.

Calorie content and nutritional value

It is an ideal product for those who keep fit. Each 100 grams of these shellfish contains only 77 kilocalories.

The benefits of seafood

There is a lot of controversy surrounding this food item. Some people believe that high-protein mussel meat is becoming indispensable source of proteins and amino acids in the human diet. Others avoid this product, as mussels pass the surrounding water through their body when they get food. This leads to the fact that toxins and heavy metals from the environment accumulate in their pulp.

For men

The work of the nervous and muscular systems depends on the intake of vitamins and minerals in the body, in particular. Mussels are a reliable source of these vitamins. They strengthen muscle connections, establish neural connections, therefore, the male body is recovering. Zinc is responsible for hormonal balance. It increases the amount of the male hormone testosterone in the blood. In a man who regularly consumes these shellfish, spermatogenesis improves.

Did you know? Oysters were first included in the official classification of marine organisms in 1758. In 1822, they were assigned a separate detachment among bivalves. It is noteworthy that they have been known to mankind for a long time. Twelve thousand years ago, the American Indians used them as food, deliberately growing them on makeshift river and lake farms.

Organic folic acid is responsible for metabolic processes in the cells of the tissues of the human body. It normalizes them - genetic information is more reliably protected, the probability of the appearance of healthy offspring increases. Iodine, which is found in excess in mussels, is responsible for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland protects the male body from pathogenic viruses and microorganisms, inhibiting their activity as the blood is filtered.
These mollusks have the most significant impact on male sexual function. They improve blood circulation in the reproductive system, sperm quality and increase libido. The walls of the vessels are strengthened, the blood supply to the cavernous bodies of the penis is more intense, and the erection is enhanced. The prostate or prostate, which is partly responsible for the production of sperm, is restored - this is an excellent prevention of prostatitis in adulthood and old age.

For women

The effect of mussels on the female body is similar to their effect on the male body. Iodine, which is part of the pulp of mussels, strengthens its own, reduces the level of harmful by increasing the level of useful. The low calorie content of these shellfish, as well as their ability to speed up metabolism, help to quickly get rid of extra pounds on a specially designed diet.

The vitamin composition of these seafood promotes beauty, skin health and strength. Vitamins and improve complexion, get rid of mimic, strengthen tooth enamel and.
The mucous tissues of the female reproductive system regenerate faster, and the uterus will be ready for embryo implantation if you eat mussels canned in oil every two days. In addition, increased sexual desire increases the chances of a good conception.

Important! The protein contained in the pulp of these mollusks, during the fermentation process, decomposes to acids, which adversely affect the elasticity of cartilage tissue. For people suffering from arthritis, this food is contraindicated.

How to eat mussels

From an unfamiliar exotic delicacy, this food has become a familiar dish, but you need to know how to handle it. Mussels are not the most convenient food, so work out before eating them in public. Ready-made pulp in restaurants is already served cleaned and processed You can take it off the skewers and eat it right away. For drinks, order white wine as an option.

If you got unpeeled shellfish, then tongs and a fork must be served to them. The tongs should be held in the left hand, and the fork in the right. Clamp the clam with them and remove the pulp with a fork. You can rinse it in a special bowl with acidified water and only then eat it. Soup with shells is eaten in much the same way. First, catch, clean and eat all the clams, and then scoop out the broth with a spoon.
Raw meat can be eaten without a fork. Take open clams in your hand and drink them from the shell in a retracting motion. In order not to champ at the same time, practice a couple of times on homemade clams. Pay attention to the liquid that accumulates in the pulp and when the shell is opened, it can splash you, the tablecloth and those who are sitting next to you. This food should not be handled hastily.

Is it possible for pregnant and lactating mothers

This product has a different effect on pregnant and lactating women. It is worth noting that infants are especially prone to allergic reactions, so nursing mothers with this product should be careful. Until the child is six months old and his immunity is not strong enough, do not eat these seafood.

After six months, introduce the mussels in gradually. Eat a few shellfish and watch your baby's reaction throughout the day. If he develops an allergic rash or redness, give up shellfish for another two to three months. If the reaction is negative, you can increase the serving.

Pregnant women these seafood shown for use. As a source of complete, easily digestible protein and essential amino acids, they will serve as a good addition to. Mussels for pregnant women should be of exceptional quality. Always check them for freshness and ask the seller for a certificate of sanitary inspection.
These mollusks filter water, passing both beneficial and toxic substances through themselves, and some of them accumulate in their pulp. Unscrupulous producers can feed mussels with food waste instead of quality food. Such products will not bring any benefit.

In any case, pregnant and lactating women are forbidden to eat raw mussels. Be sure to boil or steam them for at least twenty minutes. So you exclude the possibility of infection with infectious diseases and worms.

Did you know? In a day, this sea creature is able to pass through itself up to eighty liters of water. Given the tiny size of its body, such a throughput is comparable to powerful hydroelectric dams.

What is the difference between mussels and oysters

First, they differ from each other appearance. Mussels have a small, black, smooth shell, occasionally overgrown with other mollusks, and they grow in rosettes, attaching themselves in rows. Oysters have a somewhat deformed shell, similar to limestone deposits, and are attached to rocks in layers - finer ones on larger ones. Mussels can move, which distinguishes them from oysters, which settle in one place, even if it is polluted, for life. Mussels have a muscular leg that moves their shell and body over rocks.
Their nutritional value is practically the same, but mollusks with a black shell contain more, and limestone -. Both seafood and others are consumed raw, but mussels are more dangerous in this regard, as they feed on everything, including toxic waste. They should not be consumed by allergy sufferers, and oyster clams provoke digestive problems in people suffering from peptic ulcers. The price is also different - oysters are valued higher.

Contraindications and harm

The negative effect of these seafood on the body is due to their specific composition. They are not recommended for people with diseases of the joints and vertebrae, since the protein they contain is processed in the body into uric acid. The acid crystallizes after synthesis and is deposited in the cartilaginous tissues in the form of a solid phase, causing pain.
Allergy is another reaction to the protein component of oyster pulp. It can be not only straight, but also crossed, which means that mussels can harm those who are allergic to wheat protein.

These mollusks filter the water in which they live and accumulate all sorts of toxins in themselves. If they were raised in industrial areas with polluted waters, their meat will contain a high percentage of saxitoxin, which has a paralyzing effect on the nervous system. That is why it is so important to buy seafood from a trusted supplier, avoiding Korean and Chinese products.

Did you know? Japan has given this seafood a significant symbolism. In Japanese culture, shells that are securely connected to each other denote a strong union of lovers who create a young family. No wedding celebration in the Land of the Rising Sun is complete without traditional mussel soup.

The benefits of these seafood are difficult to overestimate. Their unique vitamin and mineral composition is balanced and provides a person with everything necessary. The protein component is easily digestible, which is beneficial for people with impaired digestion and those who are recovering from a long illness. Mussels have a positive effect on the sexual function of both men and women, increasing the likelihood of a desired conception and a successful pregnancy. Careful selection of a quality product and proper heat treatment will ensure the good taste of these mollusks and make them frequent guests on your table.

Tender mussel meat does not require long cooking.

If the clams spend more than the prescribed time in boiling water, they will become tough and completely unfit for eating.

In any case, the pleasure that properly cooked mussel meat gives will no longer be. How to cook mussels to preserve all the charm of their sea freshness?

How to choose mussels

For well-known reasons, mussels are delivered to Russian stores in frozen form. If this is your first time buying this wonderful food product, you need to know how to choose really good quality mussels.

Clams in shells must be whole, without cracks and snow "paths" in the glaze. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the mussels have already been thawed, which means that the nutritional value and benefits are reduced to zero.

The normal color of shelled mussels is light. If the meat is dark, it may be spoiled.

When buying, you need to give preference to products of well-known brands, in extreme cases, check for certificates. The fact is that mussels pass water through themselves and have the ability to accumulate toxins and other filth, including poisons that are deadly to health;

Large clams are the tastiest: they have more meat and juice. The packaging indicates the number of shellfish in relation to kilogram weight. The lower this number, the larger the items in the package.

Note: about a hundred grams of pure meat is obtained from a kilogram of mussels in a shell.

How to prepare mussels for cooking and how to cook them

Frozen mussels in shell and without shell are cooked differently. In this case, you can pre-thaw the shellfish in the shell or not do this - a matter of taste. But in any case, you will have to wash thoroughly: sand and algae may remain in the mussels.

If you decide to defrost clams, you can do it like this:

Place the meat, peeled from the shell, in the refrigerator to defrost for 2-3 hours;

Another option is to defrost the clams in cold water (this method is suitable for unpeeled mussels).

The thawed product must be put in a colander and rinsed thoroughly with a stream of ice water. If you do not plan to defrost the clams, you just need to wash them, and additionally rub the shell with a brush to remove adhering grains of sand and fragments of ocean flora.

How to cook mussels? First rule: throw the product into already boiled water and be sure to wait for the secondary boil. From now on, count the exact number of minutes of cooking so as not to spoil the meat.

Second rule: a minimum of water, especially if the mussels are already peeled. If you pour too much liquid, then a lot of juice will simply disappear. The broth will turn out to be rich, but this is absolutely not necessary, since the broth is rarely used for food. To preserve the taste as much as possible, there should be little water: it should only pour a little meat.

When cooking mussels in shell, pay attention to the condition of the valves. If the allotted time has passed since the moment of boiling, and the sash has not opened, this specimen can be safely thrown away: in front of you is a spoiled mollusk that is not suitable for food. From the opened shell, the meat must be removed, flavored with an aromatic additive to your liking, eaten just like that or used to prepare your favorite dish.

As for spices, it's a matter of taste. Some people like the natural marine taste of tender mussels. In this case, you should not drown it out with aromas alien to the sea. Someone, on the contrary, prefers to set off the taste of shellfish with lemon, bay leaf, pepper, olive oil, garlic.

How long to cook mussels in shells

Mussels come on the market in three main forms:

Frozen in shells;

Frozen shelled (raw);

Boiled-frozen peeled.

How much to cook mussels depends on the degree of preliminary preparation of the product. The most interesting, but not very convenient option is clams in shells. The product is ideal for romantics who want to feel at the seaside or in a small Italian restaurant.

Unpeeled mussels in shells are boiled for 7 to 10 minutes. If the product has not been defrosted beforehand, the cooking time can be increased by 1-2 minutes. The traditional way of boiling in water is not the only one: mussels can be boiled in white wine or beer.

The traditional way of cooking

Pour two cups of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.

After boiling, salt to taste and throw 450-500 grams of mussels.

After the secondary boil, cook the clams for 8-10 minutes.

Opened mussels are ready.

You can serve them whole, without removing them from the shell and spreading them out on beautiful plates. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice or place lemon wedges on a plate. Additionally, you can serve any sauce and herbs.

If you need to use meat to prepare a dish, for example, a salad, the sash must be removed and the mussels additionally rinsed with warm water.

Mussels boiled in white wine

The wine aroma adds spice to tender meat. It is better to take inexpensive dry wine. You can replace it with a semi-dry or semi-sweet variety.

Pour one and a half cups of dry white wine into the pan.

After boiling, lay out 300-350 grams of mussels.

Boil for 7-10 minutes after the secondary boiling of the liquid.

Remove the cooked mussels from the liquid with a slotted spoon, arrange on plates and serve. Discard unopened shells. You can serve the dish with cheese or cream sauce.

Mussels boiled in beer

Mussels are often served with beer, previously fried in a garlic-cheese sauce. However, the foamy drink itself can be an excellent medium for boiling mussels in the sink. It is advisable to use spicy dark beer: it has a special aroma that goes well with the taste of shellfish meat. Light beers are available upon request.

Pour two glasses of beer into the pot.

When the drink boils, carefully lower 450 grams of thawed mussels there.

Boil for 5-6 minutes.

Serve with lemon and garlic appetizer. If desired, offer a glass of chilled beer to the mussels.

How to cook frozen mussels without shell

If you don’t feel like messing with the romance of shells, you can buy already peeled fresh mussels. How long to cook mussels without a shell? After boiling, it will take no more than 7 minutes if the product is used unfrozen. Pre-thawed mussel meat is cooked for no more than 5 minutes.

How to cook frozen mussels? The traditional method of boiling in water is no different from the above. It is necessary to bring a small amount of water to a boil and lower the clams there. The meat is used for cooking second courses.

More interesting is the method of cooking, in which mussels become a separate dish.

Mussels boiled in wine with spices

Bring to a boil one and a half cups of dry white wine.

When it boils, put some spices for seafood into the water, salt to taste, add pepper.

If you want to shade the marine taste even more, you can use seasonal greens.

Dip 300 grams of mussels with boiling wine.

Cook for five minutes covered over very low heat.

Remove the cooked mussels with a slotted spoon and serve as a dish on their own. Decorate the plate with lemon wedges. Fresh lemon juice, which can be used to spice up the dish, goes well with the taste of seafood.

Mussels boiled in milk

Unusual, but very tasty combination of sea taste with the aroma of milk. How to cook frozen mussels in milk?

Pour some milk into the saucepan (a glass and a half).

When the milk starts to boil, salt it.

Lower the mussels (300-400 grams is enough) and, while stirring, so that the milk does not boil away, boil the clam meat for no more than five minutes.

In this way, you can cook clams with a sink, respectively, increasing the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

How to cook boiled-frozen mussels

A dish of almost instant preparation - popular boiled mussels, frozen after cooking. In fact, they do not need heat treatment, but, you see, you don’t really want to use them in this form (even after defrosting). Therefore, before serving, the finished product needs to be slightly refreshed.

How to cook boiled-frozen mussels? Just boil the water, salt it, lower the mussels and hold after the secondary boil for no more than two, a maximum of three minutes in bubbling salted water. You can add herbs, spices or fresh herbs to your taste. After recline in a colander, let the water drain and cook according to the further recipe.

There is another way to boil ready-made frozen clams: in olive oil. How to cook boiled-frozen mussels in this way?

Pour an incomplete glass of olive oil into the saucepan (about two-thirds).

Put a spoonful of spices for fish or seafood, mix.

Add a clove of garlic if you like (optional).

When the oil begins to boil, put a bag of mussels and heat in boiling oil for 2-3 minutes.

Spread the mussels boiled in this way on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve with greens as an independent, very juicy and tender dish.