Blue mussels are distributed worldwide in most polar and temperate waters. Off North America, they occur from Canada to North Carolina.

Projecting out from between the shells on one side is a bundle of tough, brown fibers called the byssal threads, more commonly known as the beard. Mussels use these fibers to anchor to rocks, pilings, and other mussels. This species may grow to 4 inches long and can often be found living with barnacles and seaweed on rocks and pilings in brackish waters.

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Cooking & Handling

If possible, cook mussels the day you buy them. Mussels will stay alive longest if their beard is attached. Refrigerate covered with a damp towel up to 2 days. Store frozen mussels up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and eat within 2 days.

Blue mussels are a good source of Vitamin C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Potassium and Zinc, and a very good source of Protein, Vitamin B12, Iron, Phosphorus, Manganese and Selenium.

The best way to cook mussels is to steam them. Steaming them with clams is a heavenly combination. They are best steamed in water, wine or cream broth seasoned with herbs and garlic.

Mussels have beard or byssus threads, which they use to anchor themselves to a growing medium. The beard should be removed just prior to cooking.

Flavors that work well with blue mussels are beer, celery, cream, curry, garlic, leek, mustard, potato, saffron, shallot, spinach, tarragon, tomato, white vermouth and white wine.

Cooking Methods
Broil, Sauté, Smoke, Steam

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Global Supply

canada	china	france
italy	south korea	spain
United Kingdom	United States

Seasonal Availability
Fresh and frozen blue mussels are available year-round. Blue mussels meats are thinner for a few weeks after summer spawning.