There is no secret as to where these mussels got their name from. These distinctive beautiful emerald green shelled mussels are cultivated in the South Pacific waters of New Zealand. They have a succulent plump meat and a sweet, tender taste. Very popular within shellfish lovers.
Using world leading techniques, the mussels are delivered for processing within a few hours of being plucked from their pure ocean environment. Once they are evaluated and meet the standards, they’re snap frozen to preserve their freshness and flavor.
Physical attributes
Outside Shell:
Green Shelled Mussels have a distinctive dark green shell often blended with yellow, red, or brown streaks. The blended colors are more likely to be found in juveniles mussels or those mussels grown on ropes.
Inside shell:
The inside shell is iridescent with a green lip.
The meat:
Mature males have a creamy-white flesh, whereas female flesh is apricot-orange. Even though they have different colors they both poses the same exquisite flavor.
Sustainability
Green Shelled Mussels are often referenced as one of the best sustainable seafood options. Every farm must operate in accordance with a resource consent that sets strict conditions that are determined and enforced by the local council. Green Shelled Mussels are governed by provisions within the Resource Management Act and the Aquaculture Act.
Cooking Methods
Green Shelled Mussels are plump and richly flavored! This versatile shellfish can be served hot or cold in a multitudes of ways: baked, grilled, sautéed, steamed, fried, stew/chowder, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Wine Pairing
Looking to pair your dish with a glass of wine? Here are some recommendations:
Easy Go-To Drinks
Champagne, Prosecco and Cava are among the best pairings for mussels, especially if you’re having them as a starter. The bubbly refreshing flavor of these sparkling wines can really add an edge to your meal, making every bite more enjoyable.
Steamed Mussels
If you’re steaming mussels in white wine, choose a white wine to drink alongside your dish as well. Remember, the mussels have the stage here! A refreshing Pinot Grigio will enhance the mussels’ flavor without robbing the spot light.
Tip: Other than Pinot Griogio, you can also pair it with a Chablis or a Chardonnay variant. All three are a great choice for a steamed mussels dinner.
Spicy and Curried Mussel
Pairing wines with spicy food is always a challenge. The best advice we can give you is always look for high acidity wines. Chardonnays or French Sauvignon Blancs are good choices.
Want a taste? Feel free to shop around at our Online Store and see all the different varieties of Fresh Shellfish or Frozen Shellfish we have available.