How to debeard a mussel

by Cookthink

Wild mussels (mussels are also farmed) require an additional cleaning step -- debearding. Protruding between a mussel's shells is a small bristle or beard, by which the mussel attaches itself to rocks or pilings. Shortly before cooking, remove the beard by tightly grasping the hairs near their base and giving a sharp tug. The beard should snap off along with a tiny bit of mussel flesh. Reference: How to clean mussels, clams and other mollusks (Sunday Dinners) Recipe: Steamed Clams And Mussels With Mint Kefir (Sunday Dinners)