HOW TO CLEAN MUSSEL
How to Clean Mussels
1.Examine the mussels as soon as you get home from the store. Remove the mussels from whatever packaging the store used right away, otherwise the mussels are at risk of suffocating. If you don’t have time to sort through them immediately, at least move them out of the package and into a bowl in the fridge, and cover them with ice.[1]
Mussels are the best when bought and cooked on the same day, though they can last in the fridge for 1 to 2 days if you need to buy them beforehand.
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Not all gaping mussels need to be discarded. You can quickly test to see if it’s still alive by tapping it on the counter or against another mussel. If it closes, that means the mussel is still alive and you can use it. If it doesn’t move, throw it away.
Some mussels that are stressed, but not dead, will open slightly, so give them a quick check before throwing them out.
3.Store fresh mussels in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. Put the good mussels in a clean bowl, and cover them with a resealable plastic bag that is full of ice. Cover the bag with a damp dishcloth. This will keep the mussels alive and fresh until you’re ready to clean and cook them.[3]
If you don’t want to use a dishcloth, you could also use damp paper towels.
If you find you won’t be able to use your mussels in time, you can transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
