| Market Names |
Wild Maine Mussels |
| Where Caught |
Gulf of Maine |
| How Caught |
Wild-captured by hand rake or dredge |
Wild Maine Mussels
Wild Maine Mussels are a Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) from the carefully managed beds of the Gulf of Maine. The Gulf of Maine is a great habitat with many nutrients for Mussels. These mussels spend the first part of life as spat (larval stage) floating in ocean currents after which they will attach to an object like a rocky outcrop or pier piling, with their byssal threads. They spend their adult lives on the ocean floor on the fringe of the intertidal and subtidal zones. Wild Maine Mussels come debearded, meaning the byssal threads are removed.
Wild Maine Mussels are harvested after reaching 3 to 4 years by hand rake or small dredge and then quickly taken to be processed. They are immersed in super-chilled seawater to purge impurities like mud and dirt. This chilled bath also strengthens the Mussels which improves their life expectancy.
To ensure the Mussels remain at peak quality, proper storage is necessary and the steps for warm weather Mussel care should be followed. Wild Mussels are not ranked by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch®.
| Sources | |
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Species NameMytilus edulis |
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SourceWild Maine Mussels are harvested and processed in Maine. They live on the ocean floor in the Gulf of Maine. |
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SeasonalityWild Maine Mussels are available year-round, depending on weather. |
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Fishing MethodA wild fishery, Wild Maine Mussels are harvested by hand rake or dredge. |
| Features | |
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FlavorWild Maine Mussels have a rich, sweet flavor, and plump, firm texture. They have a firmer texture than clams. |
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Dietary InformationPer 3.5oz. (100g) raw, edible portion: Source: USDA |
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AppearanceThe shell of Wild Maine Mussels is greenish or dark blue and black and regularly shaped with light ridges. The meat ranges from orange if female to white if male. The color of the meat does not affect flavor or texture. |
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FormWild Maine Mussels are sold fresh LIVE in the shell, with the beard removed and free of debris. |
| Uses | |
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PreparationSteaming, baking, sautéing, broiling, or smoking work well with Wild Maine Mussels. They may also be added to other dishes like soups, stews, salads, and pasta. Always discard Mussels that will not close. Never use dead Mussels. |
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SubstitutionBlue Mussels from other harvest areas, Pacific Mediterranean Mussels and Green Shell Mussels can be substitute for Wild Maine Mussels. |
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HandlingFresh Wild Maine Mussels require handling at 32-34 degrees F. Higher temperature will greatly reduce shelf life and quality. After receiving and inspecting your Mussels, immediately chill and keep under refrigeration whenever possible. Even relatively short periods of time spent out of such controlled environments will significantly reduce shelf life. Keeping the Wild Maine Mussels in the bag until necessary as the pressure from the bag and the tight pack reduces the amount of work it takes for the Mussels to keep their shells shut, which improves their shelf life. Place them in a drip tray or other container that will provide adequate drainage, and cover with copious amounts of fresh ice. Mussels prefer airy packaging. Do not store live mussels in closed containers or allow direct contact with water. Do not rinse mussels until just prior to cooking. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsSizes vary between 2.5 and 3.25 inches. They are available in 10 pound units. |
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Pricing ScaleDue to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to-date market information, availability and current pricing. |
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Shelf LifeWild Maine Mussels which have been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 7 – 10 days from the wet-store date. |