Storage and preparation
Live Iceberg Select™ mussels are perishable and must be cooked soon after purchase. Always check the packaging for the best before date. Mussels must be stored in the refrigerator. Do not remove mussels from the bag in which they are purchased. Place the bag in a leak-proof container until you cook them.
When you are ready to cook the mussels, rinse them under cold, running water. If some of the mussels are not tightly closed, place them in a dish of cold water and discard them if they do not close after one minute.
Cooking
Whether on the stovetop, in the microwave or in the oven, Iceberg Select™ mussels are simple to prepare. To enhance the flavour, add chopped carrots, celery, herbs, onion or garlic to the liquid in which you are preparing the mussels. Served with a fresh, warm baguette and garlic butter, mussels provide a simple but elegant feast. Mussels are also excellent in chowder or salads, with pasta, or stir-fried with a variety of colourful vegetables such as green and red pepper, and onions.
Stovetop: Once they have been rinsed, steam Iceberg Select™ mussels in 1/2 cup of water, white wine or beer in a covered pot over a high heat for seven to 10 minutes until the shells are open and the meat is falling from the shells. Discard mussels that do not open.
Microwave: Many people do not realise that mussels can be microwaved, but in fact they are as delicious prepared in the microwave as they are on the stovetop. Once they have been rinsed, place the mussels in a shallow dish with 1/8 of a cup of water, cover and cook on high for four to five minutes per kilogram (2 lbs). Discard mussels that do not open.