Are Frozen Mussels Safe to Eat?

Do you have a craving for mussels? No worries! The frozen mussels are safe to eat. Frozen mussels come in partially cooked form. All you need to do is thaw, process, and serve. The cooking of frozen mussel is quite easy, as it does not need cleaning.

Mussels are soft and chewy. The mild taste similar to mushroom serves as a delicacy food in many cuisines. The ‘ocean’ flavor of mussels adds a new taste to a mixed array of food.

In this discussion, we will show you the value of this seafood and build your confidence in adding frozen mussel to your menu.

What and Where to Get Mussels?

Mussels are a kind of bivalve mollusk living in lakes, creeks, streams, and salty water zones close to the shores of oceans. Like other shellfish, anglers collect or cultivate mussels as a supply of food for human consumption. The popularity of mussels is in Europe, North America, and many parts of Asia.  

The shape of mussels is unique. It is pear or wedge shapes shell and somewhat like a box. The size ranges from 5 to 15 cm. The outside of the mussel is ribbed or smooth having a hairy covering. The color of the mussel of dark blue or greenish dark brown.

Inside the detachable shell is the meat of the mussel. About 20 to 25 mussels weigh 500 g. Each 500g of mussel, will produce 125 g of meat.

Mussel and the Environment

Mussel either grow or are cultured in aquatic environments. This aquatic mollusk is an “ecosystem engineer” because it cleans the water of natural streams and lakes. They remove heavy metals by absorption and filter out silt and fine sand particles.

Mussels also provide substrate to bacteria and algae and keep the water clean. As a bio-filter, it keeps the water bodies free of pollutants.

Nutritional Value of Mussels

The meat of mussels is high in protein. It contains phosphatides and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mussels also contain minerals such as manganese, zinc, iodine, copper, and cobalt. The cobalt content is higher than that of the livers of beef, chicken, and pork. Mussels also contain 20 amino acids, essential to humans. The vitamins include B1, B2, B6, D, and E. Mussels are a source of anti-oxidants.

The major nutrients in 100 gram blue cooked mussel are

Nutrients	Amount
Calories	172g
Saturated fat	0.9g
Total Fat	4.5g
Protein	24g
Total Carbohydrate	7g
Sodium	369mg
Potassium	268mg
Cholesterol	56mg
Dietary fiber	0g

Benefits of Mussel to Health

Recently, nutritionists are creating awareness among restaurant owners on the healthy nutrient a plate of mussel dish can supply. Let us see the specific benefits of mussels in boosting the health of humans.

1. Low Fat and High Protein content

If you want to go on a low carbohydrate and low-fat diet and restrict your calories, the mussel is one of the best seafood. As it contains high protein, you get all the good amino acids to get rid of your deficiencies. With no addition of oil, just boiling the meat of the mussel t with herbs, you can create a tasty mussel dish.

2. Iron and Protein

A high protein and iron content is a meat substitute. Protein richness boosts energy. Iron is a constituent of red blood cells; therefore, mussels are a good source of increasing the blood and help regulate the blood circulatory system. Iron and protein together enhance energy and quality of complexion.

3. High Vitamin Content

Mussels contain multiple vitamins. These help in strengthening the immune system and controls many diseases. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, protects muscles and bones. Vitamins strengthen the immune system and protect the body from many ailments.

4. Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid

The fat of mussels is omega fatty acid is the best form of fat for human consumption. Seafood offers a rich source of omega fat. Mussel is an excellent source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. It enhances cardiovascular health. Intake of fresh mussels, when cultured in a clean environment, reduces the risk of heart diseases.

5. Functioning of Brain

The multiple nutrients of mussels contribute to the functioning of the blood circulatory system. It, therefore, keeps the brain functioning and reduces inflammatory-induced diseases.

How to Cook Frozen Muscle?

Knowing about mussels should not all unless you know how to cook frozen mussels and enjoy.

Once you get your frozen mussel from the market, you need to store it if you do not plan to cook immediately. You may store it in the fridge. Although it stays good after 12 months, it is best to eat within 12 months of keeping it in the fridge.

Defrost the frozen mussel by thawing in the refrigerator, keeping the lid on. Use warm water on top of the storage container if you need to thaw quickly.

Place the frozen mussel in a saucepan, heat it and use it in soups and spaghetti.

Alternatively, place the frozen mussels in saucepan. Cover and heat in medium temperature for 3-5 minutes. Add butter, garlic, olive oil and let it simmer for some time. The shells will open automatically. Discard the shells and serve.

Some Recipes of Frozen Mussels

Let us give you two recipes for frozen mussels.

  1.  Spaghetti with Mussel Ingredients

Ingredients

• 100 g Spaghetti
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves of sliced garlic
• ½ cup seafood stock
• 500 g frozen mussel, thawed
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. salt to taste

Procedure

• Boil water in a large pot. Add the pasta, cook for 10 minutes and drain off the water.
• Place the pasta on a serving platter.
• Place a large skillet on a stove. Pour olive oil and heat at medium temperature.
• Add onion and sliced garlic and saute for a few minutes until soft and light brown.
• Pour the seafood stock and reduce the heat.
• Add the thawed mussel. Cover the pan and cook until the shells have opened.
• Discard the shells.
• Pour the cooked mussels on top of the pasta and serve.

2. Frozen Mussel Soup

Ingredients

• 500 g frozen mussel thawed
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1tsp.black pepper
• 1Tbsp cornflour
• Salt to taste
• Parsley cut into pieces

Procedure

• Place 5 cups of water in a saucepan and heat.
• Add butter, oil, garlic, and cornflour, and salt, and let it boil for a minute.
• Add the thawed frozen mussel and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the shells split.
• Lower the heat and remove the shells.
• Add the parsley, let it simmer for another minute.
• Pour in a soup bowl and serve in individual bowls.

Conclusion

As you now know that frozen mussel is safe to eat, you can confidently add this seafood to your diet. Further, you have seen the tremendous amount of nutrients in mussels and the enormous health benefits.

Mussel is an unrecognized superfood. The combination of the nutrients, vitamins and amino acid give mussels a food that protects human beings from cardiovascular and inflammatory illnesses

The bio filtering capability of mollusk helps clean the pollutants of streams and lakes and makes the environment fresh.

Hope you enjoy the recipes of the frozen mussels!