Check mussel viability: discard ones that stay open, keep ones that close when tapped
Before cooking, discard mussels that won’t close; if a mussel is open, tap it and only keep it if it closes.
Inspect mussels: if one is open, give it a slight tap. If it closes, it’s alive and can be cooked; if it remains open, discard it.
The short version
- Open + won’t close = discard
- Open + closes when tapped = OK
How to do it
- 1
Inspect mussels; note any that are open.
Watch this step - 2
Tap an open mussel lightly.
Watch this step - 3
If it closes, keep it; if it stays open, discard it.
Only cook mussels that are closed or close when tapped.
Watch this step
What goes wrong
Cooking mussels that are open and non-responsive
Tap-test and discard any that don’t close
Why it works
Live mussels respond by closing; non-responsive open shells can indicate dead shellfish and higher risk.
Put it to use
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