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You’ll often find cultivated mussels for sale. When buying them, it’s important to check the expiry date on the package. If the mussels are sold in bulk, the shells should be tightly closed.
The shell still has a few threads that held it to its support. Remove them simply by pulling them in a pendulum motion. You can also scrape them off with a paring knife. This is called “bearding.”
Check that the shells are tightly closed. Also discard any that are broken. Check also that the mussels are clean.
Wash the mussels in cold water, brushing them vigorously. Tip: if a mussel is dead, it will float to the surface.
Remove the mussels with your hands or with a skimmer to leave any dirt in the bottom of the sink.
It’s important to work quickly and to cook the mussels without delay. They will begin to open as soon as they’re removed from their cold zone.