The sweet scent of summer, seaside lunches and joyful evenings with friends: always with one sole protagonist, mussels! These shellfish enchant the senses with their aroma, offer a unique taste experience and steal the spotlight in any dish.
That’s exactly why we decided to create a detailed guide on one of the most frequently asked questions we receive: how to properly store mussels. Follow along!
How to store mussels in the refrigerator
Mussels, or “mitili” in Italian, are a delicious ingredient that perfectly suits appetizers, pasta and seafood mains. Fresh mussels can be stored in the fridge for a few days, either raw or cooked. However , we suggest you always eat them as soon as possible after purchase, to fully enjoy their nutritional value, unique flavor and freshness.
How to store raw mussels in the fridge
If you’ve bought live mussels from the fish market, the best thing to do once you’re home is to place them (still in their net) into a colander, then set the colander inside another bowl, so any liquid they release doesn’t come into contact with other food in the fridge.
To properly store mussels in the fridge, keep in mind these key tips:
- Mussels need to breathe and stay moist. That’s why it’s best to cover them with a damp cloth and place them on the bottom shelf of the fridge;
- Don’t add water, this could kill them;
- To help preserve freshness, you can place a bag of ice over the damp cloth or towel (never in direct contact with the mussels);
- They should be stored at a temperature between 4°C and 6°C (39°F to 43°F);
- Mussels will release water each day. If you haven’t stored them in a colander, but directly in a bowl or dish, the liquid will collect at the bottom. Be sure to drain it daily to prevent contamination of other food.
With these precautions, mussels should stay alive for 2–3 days. If they’ve been in the fridge for 4 days, it’s best to throw them.
Before cooking, make sure they’re still fresh. Check the shells: discard any broken ones. Smell them: if they have a clean, fresh sea scent, they’re good to go, if the smell is overly strong or unpleasant, they’re likely no longer safe to eat.
How to store cooked mussels in the refrigerator
Once cooked, mussels can be kept in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 days. They can be stored in a sealed container or zip-lock bag. It’s good practice to cover the mussels with their cooking liquid.
Before eating them, always check the smell and texture.. If the scent is unpleasant or the texture feels mushy, the mussels are no longer safe to eat.
To avoid bacterial contamination, store cooked mussels away from raw mollusks.
How to store mussels in the freezer
Another question we’re often asked is: can I freeze mussels? The answer is yes , but it’s not our recommended option. . Why? Because freezing them can cause a loss or reduction in their beneficial properties. That’s why we always suggest eating mussels fresh, right after purchase, to guarantee top quality and freshness. However, if you need to freeze them, here are our tips.
How to freeze live mussels
Before freezing alive mussels, they must be cleaned. First, place them in a container with cold water and begin scrubbing to remove any debris or buildup. Be sure to discard any damaged or dead-looking mussels.
Once clean, place the mussels into a sturdy freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Write the date of freezing on the outside of the bag. From that moment, they can be kept for up to 3 months. After that, they will continue to decline in quality.
When you’re ready to eat them, defrost the mussels through the refrigerator,. or soak them in cold water for about an hour. They should be cooked within 2 days after defrosting.
Keep in mind that defrosted mussels, once cooked, may be softer than fresh ones. Never refreeze mussels after defrosting, as this could pose a health risk.
How to store cooked mussels in the freezer
After cooking the mussels, remove the shells using a spoon or a knife. If the mussels are properly cooked, this step should be fairly easy and the mollusks should detach effortlessly without much pressure.
Set aside the mussels you want to freeze. Place them in an airtight container or, alternatively, in a sturdy freezer bag. Arrange the mussels as you prefer, but make sure to cover them completely with their cooking liquid, which helps preserve their flavor. Let the liquid cool down before pouring it into the container or bag.
Write the freezing date on the outside of the container to keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Cooked mussels can be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months, after which they will begin to lose texture and flavor.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, but keep in mind that we recommend freezing mussels only as a last resort. Mussels, like all mollusks, are best enjoyed fresh to fully appreciate their unique flavor!
