Our review of fish and shellfish species continues. Today we will talk about a classic such as mussels. A species that we all know but that also generates many doubts.
Animal life
The mussel is a bivalve mollusk, that is to say, it has two valves (shells) and lives attached to its food source. Thanks to its powerful abductor muscle, it is able to open and close the shell to feed and defend itself against predators. It is necessary to cut this muscle when preparing them to fully arbrate them.
Among its predators, in addition to many species of monovalve mollusks, is the starfish.
The mussel shell
Something that is difficult to understand if we do not have a minimum understanding of biology is where mussels get their shells from. It turns out that the very fact that it has a shell is an anomaly. It is very uncommon in living beings that they themselves are able to create a mineral with which to protect themselves. We must understand it in the same way we understand the formation of bones, although it is made from calcium carbonate, i.e., the same basis as the eggs of hens and other oviparous animals.
The mussel needs its shell to protect itself from predators. The mussel is so fragile that it needs its shell to prevent it from dissolving in water.
In gastronomy
Seafood in general has very particular flavors that those who appreciate the taste of the sea love and can be despised by some people. In Spain it is usually cooked enhancing the flavor of fish and seafood. There are some recipes with which you can take advantage of the flavor of the mussel, like all those that make you cook its meat steamed.
Mussel meat is highly appreciated in many parts of the world. However, in Spain there is a special appreciation for the mussel flavor that makes it be included in many dishes. From the casserole to the classic seafood paella in which they cannot be missing.
If you want some ideas to include mussels in your dishes, these are some of your possibilities:
- Pickled mussels.
- Spaghetti with mussels and tomato sauce.
- Mussels with lemon.
- Steamed mussels.
- Seafood paella.
