- Better Choice
Blue Mussel
Latin name: Mytilus planulatus
Common names: Mussel, mussels
Share
- Better Choice
Farmed
Region:
NSW, WA, VIC, SA, TAS
- Mussels are farmed on longlines or racks in the sea, which has a negligible impact on habitat or other species.
- Blue mussels are farmed in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.
- Blue mussels filter food from the water and do not require additional feed or chemical inputs.
- Blue mussel farming poses very low risk to vulnerable species or habitats. .
Mussels are super-sustainable, delicious, easy to cook and affordable – wins all around! Steam open in a large pot with a lid, throwing in a little white wine, garlic and olive oil for flavour. Make sure you keep the juices, which make a delicious sauce. Allow about 500g of mussels per person for a main meal, or 200-300g each if part of a larger spread. Mussels can also be added to a curry, soup, laksa or seafood stew a few minutes prior to serving. Don’t overcook them as this can result in tough, rubbery meat. Contrary to popular opinion, a closed mussel isn’t ‘bad’ and doesn’t need to be thrown away – just prise it open gently using a butter knife. If the mussel is bad your nose will tell you!
- Australian production (>2,425t in 2020/21)
Blue mussels are farmed in the ocean on longlines and racks. These structures provide an anchor to which mussel larvae attach and grow. Longlines and racks result in negligible habitat damage. Mussels filter food from the water, and do not require any additional feed from farmers. Chemicals are not used on mussel farm sites. Mussel farming has a very low overall impact on our oceans.
Blue mussels are a highly environmentally efficient source of marine protein and can potentially reduce elevated nutrient levels in waterways caused by other human activities. Blue mussels require high water quality, and industry has been proactive in advocating for better management of wider pollution impacts in farming areas.
