Mussel Facts & Health Benefits
Mussel Facts
- Provided they are in a moist, cool environment, mussels will live out of water for between 8–12 days depending on the season. They do this by gaping open and breathing.
- The best way to store loose mussels is to cover them with ice, never soak mussels – always allow melted ice to drain away. Or buy them prepacked in our trays.
- To test to see if a gaping mussel is alive, just tap gently on the shell. If alive it will start to close.
- Don't store mussels in airtight containers or plastic bags without holes or they will suffocate.
- Some mussels may float in water. These have simply lost liquid and have a little air trapped inside their shells, they are alive and safe to eat.
- Mussels are high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They are relatively low in calories and fat and have exceptional nutritional value.
- Don't overcook mussels. Steam them until they open and pull away from the shell (usually about 4 minutes). If a mussel has not opened after this cooking time it is perfectly OK to eat, it just means that it was hanging on harder!
- Mussels are filter feeders. They strain phytoplankton from the water.
- Male mussels are pale white or cream in colour, females are orange.
- Mussels attach themselves to rocks or ropes by way of a byssal thread or 'beard'. At Spring Bay we nip most of this off so they're clean and ready to cook. Learn more about our mussel de-bearding.
Health Benefits
Australian Blue Mussels are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and iodine.
Omega-3 are the 'good oils' that are beneficial for the heart by helping lower cholesterol. Omega-3 also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Selenium is an anti-oxidant compound that fights free radicals in the blood stream.
Iodine is essential for natural production of thyroid hormones that contribute to basic metabolism as well as helping your body to efficiently burn calories.
As an added bonus Australian Blue Mussels are low in fat and saturated fats, and are a "good source" of protein and iron.
Versatile & Convenient
All these health benefits are packed into a small and tasty natural food that will accept a wide range of flavours from Asian styles through to traditional Mediterranean and French accents. Australian Blue Mussels also present well, both in and out of the shell.
Gram for gram, Australian Blue Mussels are one of nature's gourmet gifts.
Nutritional Analysis
Nutritional Panel for Australian Blue Mussels; Source: National Measurement Institute & Flinders University 2010.
| Nutrient | Amount per 150g serving | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 660 kJ | 438 kJ |
| Protein | 24 g | 16 g |
| Fat | 3.45 g | 2.3 g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 1.8 g | 1.2 g |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0.45 g | 0.3 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.9 g | 0.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.5 g | 5 g |
| Sugars | <1 g | <1 g |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 533 mg | 353 mg |
| Iron | 4.35 mg | 3.0 mg |
| Iodine | 405 µg | 270 µg |
| Selenium | 144 µg | 96 µg |
| Omega 3 fatty acids (total) | 1725 mg (49%) | 1150 mg (49%) |
Australian Blue Mussels are a "good source" of iron, protein, selenium, iodine and omega-3 i.e. they exceed the recommended daily intake of these nutrients.
Other Benefits
Australian Blue Mussels are also eco-friendly and sustainably grown and have an environmental footprint of close to zero.
Australian Blue Mussels are grown under strict water quality monitoring conditions according to the Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program.
