Mussels Provide an Eco-Friendly Option For Seafood Lovers

Seafood lovers may have a new, eco-friendly option when it comes to enjoying their favorite seafood dishes. Mussels are a sustainable seafood choice that provide numerous nutritional benefits.

Mussels are low in calories and high in protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and selenium. Mussels are an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy, sustainable seafood option.

When purchasing mussels, be sure to select those that are tightly closed and have a shiny appearance. Mussels that are opened or have a dull appearance should be avoided. Mussels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Mussels can be prepared in a variety of ways including steaming, boiling, grilling, and frying. They can also be added to soups and stews or served as appetizers. Mussels make a hearty meal that is both nutritious and delicious.

Seafood lovers will love the taste and nutritional benefits of mussels. These tasty shellfish make an excellent addition to any diet and are perfect for those looking for a healthy, sustainable seafood option.

North Carolina Fishermen Struggle To Keep Up With Mussel Boom

For the North Carolina fishermen, the mussel boom has been both a blessing and a curse. The increase in mussels has led to an abundance of baitfish, which in turn has attracted sport fish in droves. But as the mussels have proliferated, they have also clogged up fishing gear, particularly nets.

"The mussels have taken over," said commercial fisherman Dean Harrelson. "They're everywhere. We can hardly catch any fish because of all the mussels."

Mussel populations typically explode when there is an increase in water temperature or chemical pollution. In North Carolina, the temperatures have been warming for several years, and there has been an uptick in agricultural and industrial runoff, which contains fertilizers and other pollutants.

The state has responded by allocating more than $2 million to help affected fishermen install new gear or modify their existing gear. But many of the fishermen say it is not enough, and that the influx of mussels has already caused them to lose tens of thousands of dollars in income.

"It's been a nightmare," said Jeff Baldwin, who owns a seafood processing plant on the coast. "This is going to put a lot of people out of business."

Mussels Could Be Answer To Chesapeake Bay's Water Quality Woes

Are mussels the answer to Chesapeake Bay's water quality woes?

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers think they might be. A new study suggests that mussels could play a significant role in removing excess nitrogen from the bay.

"The magnitude of change we observed was larger than we had anticipated," said lead author Meghan Burchell, a doctoral candidate at VCU's School of Life Sciences.

The research, published in the journal "Ecology," found that adding just 1 percent of mussels to an estuary can reduce nitrogen levels by as much as 25 percent.

Nitrogen is one of the leading causes of poor water quality in the bay. Reducing levels of this pollutant could help improve overall water quality and help protect marine life in the estuary.

Mussels may not be the only solution to the bay's water quality woes, but they could certainly play a role in improving conditions. As such, researchers say it's important to find ways to increase mussel populations in the bay.

"Our study shows that they have potential to make a real impact and should be considered as part of any restoration effort in Chesapeake Bay and other eutrophic systems," said senior author Kathleen Kalborn, an associate professor at VCU's School of Life Sciences.

5 Reasons to Love Mussels

1. Mussels are a low-calorie food. A 3-ounce serving of cooked mussels contains only 82 calories.

2. Mussels are a good source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of cooked mussels contains about 16 grams of protein, which is about one-third the amount most people need daily.

3. Mussels are a good source of minerals, including iron, zinc and selenium. They also contain high levels of B vitamins, including folate and vitamin B12.

4. Mussel shells are made up of aragonite, a type of calcium carbonate that is one of the few natural sources of this mineral. Aragonite helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

5. Although they may not be as popular as other shellfish, such as shrimp or lobster, mussels are just as delicious and nutritious. Give them a try the next time you want a seafood dish!

Lowcountry Restaurants Embrace Mussels as the It Seafood

In the Lowcountry, where seafood is king, mussels are becoming the darlings of local restaurants. Surprisingly, there is no definitive answer as to why this seafood is becoming so popular.

"They are a perfect vehicle for flavors," said Greg McPhee, executive chef at The Glass Onion in Charleston. "You can do a lot with them. They are also healthy and sustainable."

Chefs say that mussels can be prepared in myriad ways, lending themselves to both traditional and contemporary cuisine. And they are affordable, making them a desirable option for budget-minded diners.

At Trattoria Lucca in Mount Pleasant, Chef de Cuisine Keith Singletary offers up a half-dozen types of mussels dishes – all of which have been hits with diners. There's the classic Moules Marinières with white wine, garlic and herbs; Mussels fra Diavolo with spicy tomato broth and Italian sausage; and even a vegan version featuring crispy shiitake mushrooms and black bean broth.

"I like to keep things simple with just a few ingredients, letting the flavor of the mussels really shine through," said Singletary.

And it's not just fine dining establishments where you can find mussels on the menu. Even fast casual spots like Moe's Southwest Grill are getting in on the action, offering up a Smothered Southwestmussel dish made with garlic butter, green chilies and cilantro.

With such widespread appeal, it seems that mussels are destined to take their rightful place as the It seafood of the Lowcountry.