Among a variety of seafood, green vs. black mussels are the most favored form of seafood among a wealth of people over the world, and they have appeared in numerous people’s meals nowadays.
However, have you ever wondered if green or black mussels are much more common? If you are not a gourmet, you will always be confused when choosing one of two. Don’t worry! You are going to the right place, and I believe you will be a “mussels expert” after reviewing this post.
What Are Black Mussels?
Black mussel is a part of the big Mytilidae family of bivalve mollusks. It is primarily found in the North of Africa and the Arctic, the North Atlantic, and the Pacific oceans.
These days, they can quickly be grown and harvested in various nations, making them more reachable and cost-effective. Depending on their location, they have different names. One is Mediterranean Mussels or Mytilus Galloprovincialis, most popular in European countries.
Choromytilus Meridionalis is also the typical name for black mussel, which is native to southern Africa. Another name is Mytilus Trossulus found in the north Pacific, Arctic, and north Atlantic oceans.
What Are Green Mussels?
From the past to the present, green mussels have always been considered scarce and nutrient-dense food for individuals. However, very few people truly know about their origin and definition. So, in order to get more information about them, let’s follow this post.
The green mussel is scientifically named Perna canaliculus and is known as the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, New Zealand mussel, and Kuku. They first came from New Zealand and were very popular in parts of the world, such as Asia, Africa, and America.
Key Differences Between Green Mussels And Black Mussels
Surprisingly, Green mussels could bear an incredible resemblance to black ones in terms of the entire structure: having an unsymmetrical and ovoid teardrop style in shape.
Nonetheless, have you ever wondered why they are likely to be the same species, but black varieties are much more common than green ones? Now stay tuned, and let’s start to find out the answer by discovering some main discrepancies between them.
Location
The site is one of the highlights making black mussels far more common than green mussels. The more accessible they are, the more popular they can be.
Black Mussels
Black mussels are frequently found and grown in cooler water globally, especially on the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Furthermore, it is more effortless to discover them in a host of stores, markets, and restaurants worldwide.
More importantly, South Africa is the nation raising and farming black mussels the most globally. Furthermore, the exploitation of black mussels quickly spreads to Canada, America, and China.
Green Mussels
By contrast, green mussels are more limited and challenging to find than black properties. People usually find them in New Zealand, where the sea is fresh, clean, and rich in nutrients. Hence, this is also the reason why they are also called “ New Zealand mussels.”
Thanks to the development of farming, harvesting them expanded quickly to Asia, South Africa, and India. It is extremely tough to look for them in American markets. They are more available and reachable to cultivate in harvesting places around New Zealand.
Size
The size is one of the most significant and visible discrepancies in appearance between the two sorts of mussels. This feature affects their price in markets.
Black Mussels
These types of mussels can measure an average of around 2.5 inches in length (depending on where they come from). Moreover, their size can reach a maximum of 3 inches in stature. However, they are tiny and half the size of Green varieties.
Green Mussels
The New Zealand green-lipped mussels are big and can develop over twice as large as the black ones. Additionally, green mussels can grow a maximum of six inches. In fact, they are much more expensive since their size is greater than black mussels.
Color
Color is also the most immediately apparent difference between them and can be easily seen. This feature can also be affected by the source of food that they eat.
Black Mussels
Because the primary food source of black mussels is usually Zooplankton, a type of Planktonic community that ranges from red to dark brown, black mussels’ shells are typically dark brown or dusky.
Green Mussels
Green mussels usually eat Phytoplankton, which often floats on the sea’s surface and has from blue-green to green color.
Therefore, the shells of green mussels are brownish with stunning greenish along its edge. Additionally, young mussels frequently have a striking green color, whereas the adults are darker green to brown. (1)
Taste
To most people, the taste of black and green mussels share no difference. Their meat has a slightly sweet flavor and the familiar salty taste of the ocean, like other seafood. Here is what you really need to distinguish their taste.
Black Mussels
If you guys are gourmets who want to explore a more harsh and comparatively stronger savory taste, black mussels will be your best choice. They tend to be a little fishy, saline, and sweet. A wealth of fantastic tastes are combined to make a tasty and refreshed flavor.
Therefore, black mussels are suitable for cooking some simple dishes to keep their original fresh taste, like being steamed, boiled, and even grilled or fried.
Green Mussels
One school of thought claims green mussels are less salted and slightly sweeter when comparing green vs. black mussels. They are also known for having a softer and more hygienic taste than black properties.
Specifically, for those who have just started trying to eat mussels and enjoy a less drastic and briny seafood taste, green mussels are the best option for you.
Note: Choosing the most suitable mussel depends on individual preference and the sort of food you want to eat. In general, both green and black mussels are equally delicious and must-try food in your life.
You can learn more about the specific perspectives on these two fancy types of mussels’ taste here.
Texture
When choosing mussels for cooking, texture is one of the most crucial factors. Depending on what food you cook, select the one that best suits your meals. Though both of them are very tender, there are a few differences.
Black Mussels
Black mussels are tender and much softer, with less chewiness than their counterparts. They also have less flesh than green mussels. When you cook black mussels, they tend to be incredibly delicate and soothing but firm.
Green Mussels
On the other hand, green mussels are chewier and firmer meat than black mussels. Moreover, they tend to become tender without falling apart when you cook them.
Notes: Out of all the mussel varieties, green mussels are the most tender and also have the most flesh. You ought to remember not to overcook all kinds of mussels since they easily become chewy in case of improperly cooked.
Farming
Together with their location, it is irrefutable that the more complex people harvest them, the less common mussels are. Since black mussels currently appear globally, cultivating them is far more simple than green mussels.
Black Mussels
There is no doubt that black mussels’ popularity is much more than green ones. A long time ago, mussels were fine diet food for native islanders around New Zealand’s coast. People then realized the great uses of these miracle creatures.
It was not until the 1960s that mussels became widespread worldwide, farming and harvesting them was considered a golden ticket for natives.
With its high adaptation to the environment, you can easily find black mussels anywhere on the planet. Therefore, harvesting or farming this type of mussel is not a big deal.
With some walking at the shores, you may find it lying inseparably on rocks. Or you can just leave a boat floating on the sea for a while, and guess what? Your boat will be filled with a whole bucket of black mussels.
Moreover, in many South- East Asian countries, natives that live in salty rivers also use bamboo trees or long-line techniques and stick them deep under the ground to harvest black mussels.
Mussels spats are typically hung on long lines. The mussels reaching commercial quality are harvested after eight to twelve months of growing in cooler water. The rest is returned to the mussels farm.
Green Mussels
In contrast to black mussels, green mussels are less likely to be easily found. As mentioned before, unlike black mussels, green ones are located only on New Zealand’s coast, making them unique.
Therefore, green mussels are much more costly and rarer than black mussels, making them more challenging to harvest.
However, with the advanced technologies nowadays, farming green mussels is not tricky though its number is still a huge gap compared to the number of black ones harvested.
The seeds of young mussels are hung on lines and brought up. After 15 months of development in nutrient-rich water, they are harvested. And those not of high enough quality are returned to the mussels farm in the oceans.
Note: Given the excessive exploitation of green mussels, governmental bodies enforced stringent regulations protecting this kind of mussel, such as imprisoning those who over-exploit them. This could act as a deterrent for those intending to take similar actions.
You can know more about the ways people harvest mussels here.
Availability:
Mussels have become one of people’s favorite seafood due to their low price and many, but good in quality, compared to other seafood. Therefore, the mussels supply has to satisfy customers’ demand, which means it will always be available at any time or place.
Black Mussels:
Black mussels are more uncomplicated to find worldwide due to their substantial environmental adaptation, and you can quickly look for them fresh or frozen anytime and anywhere. Hence, it will always be available at any shops or markets if you want a plate of them.
Green Mussels
In terms of availability, if you want to taste the fresh green mussels, you will need to travel to New Zealand, where they mostly live, or you can pay double for them because of their importation fee.
Moreover, people may prefer them more due to their strange and delicious flavor over black mussels. As a result, it is only sometimes possible to have fresh green mussels at any time or place unless you are in New Zealand.
Affordability
Price is always a problem when you want to enjoy seafood. Biting a small piece of the ocean’s precious treasure can cost you a fortune. However, with the appearance of mussels, price is no longer a problem for those who want to enjoy seafood.
Black Mussels
Nowadays, with the outgrowth of black mussels farm to supply consumers’ demand, you can easily find black mussels anywhere, which means their prices are drastically lower than their counterparts.
Green Mussels
In contrast to their counterparts, green mussels are more expensive due to their exclusivity as it is only farmed and harvested at some particular places, which leads to the result that the supply is lower than the demand.
Therefore, their prices are typically double the black mussels though it is much cheaper than other seafood like tuna. Nonetheless, if you want to enjoy green mussels cheaply, you can travel to the local area to eat the fantastic flavor without costing too much.
Shelf Life
One of the most noticeable when you want to purchase seafood is its shelf life. In fact, foods beyond their use-before-dates ought not to be consumed or frozen anymore.
In fact, both black and green mussels share the same maximum of roughly seven to ten days in the refrigerator. However, if you freeze them in the fridge, mussels can be stored for two or three months.
Moreover, after harvesting, mussels are stored under -18 degrees Celsius to keep them longer. Usually, green and black mussels kept in a suitable condition can be stored for more than two years without losing their original flavor.
Nutritional Values
When you eat any kind of food, the most important thing you should consider is the food’s nutrients. Similarly, the two types of mussels have several rich and healthy ones, making them more and more popular worldwide.
Now, please follow this post to come across this factor. Let’s have a look at this table to learn more about how many calories these two mussels contain: (2)
Black Mussels
Although black mussels are more prominent and low-priced than green ones, they have much less nourishment than green varieties. Specifically, one black mussel just obtained nine exceptionally healthy calories.
Since they are high in protein, they positively affect people’s health, from bone to muscle building. The truth is that they are also high in iron, making them ideal for anemia prevention, heart health, and weight loss.
Green Mussels
Although green mussels are less common than their black counterparts, they obtain richer and more nutrients helping people improve their health more than black ones.
Green mussels contain a high level of Chondroitin and Glucosamine together with other healthy nutrients assisting in accelerating the recovery process of injured bones, joints, and meniscuses.
They obtain a rich amount of omega-3 acids that positively improve people’s hair, skin, and snail. Also, omega-3 acids in green mussels are also good for people’s brains and play a pivotal role in enhancing people’s blood flow, which helps to prevent heart attack and atherosclerosis.
The amount of fatty omega-3, including DHA and EPA in green mussels, also help to protect people’s memory and improve attention. DHA is also the only substance transported into the brain, significantly reducing the rate of brain shrinkage with age.
Furthermore, people cultivate green mussels owing to their vast vitamins and minerals, which benefit people’s health. Additionally, as they have a high level of protein, approximately 36,15%, they are by far a cheaper source of protein supply for the human being.
More importantly, green mussels contain splendid anti-inflammation, so they can aid in decreasing arthritis symptoms and minimizing asthma. Their meat contains a high amount of zinc, so it improves mood regulation and makes people more delighted and relaxed.
Note: According to research by scientists, it is recommended to use about 1000 – 1500 mg of green mussel extract per day, enough to provide amino acids, glycoproteins, and omega-3 fats that will benefit the body user object’s health.
Other Types Of Mussels
In the world, there are not only two types of mussels, but also a bunch of other types which are less common than Black and Green mussels.
Blue Mussels
Blue mussels are also called Mytilus edulis, bay mussels, farmed mussels, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) mussels. They are the third most popular sort of mussels around the world. Their shells usually have a blue, purple, or brown color.
They stick themselves to the big rocks along the beach. When they grow, their size can reach up to 10 cm, and those which adapt well to the environment can gain a maximum of 20 cm in length. (3)
Zebra Mussel
Zebra mussels are also known as Dreissena polymorphic. They come from the lakes and rivers of the United States. Additionally, they were first found in the Great Lakes in the 1980s via ballast of water discharged from Europe by huge ships. (4)
Like black and green mussels, they also consumed Phytoplankton and Zooplankton. Every year, they produce 300 thousand to one million eggs, but only 2 percent of solid mussels can grow in the water.
Horse Mussels
Horse Mussels are also known as Modiolus. They are one of the most prominent mussels in the ocean, and their size can grow up to 20 cm. Their shells are gorgeous sun-bleached purple. Additionally, they usually settle 10 to 25 meters deep in the seawater.
Some scientists have discovered some of them can live as far as 280 meters deep in the bottom of the sea. To live, they attach themselves to firm surfaces like turtles or rocks.
Mussels Vs. Other Seafood Types:
It is difficult for normal people to distinguish among mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops as they are bivalve mollusks. Nonetheless, there are still a wealth of distinctions among them, keep reading to discover some of them.
Mussels Vs. Clams
The key discrepancy between mussels and clams depends on where they are located. In other words, mussels mainly come from saltwater and freshwater alike. Clams, however, are usually found in freshwater.
Moreover, mussels’ shells are long and less circular than clams’. In addition, mussels always attach themselves to the surface of the water, but clams hide under the bottom surface of the sea where they live.
Clams are distinguished by the presence of bodily organs, making them unique. Clams have a heart, digestive tract, and circulatory system, but mussels do not have these features.
Mussels Vs. Oysters
One of the most different factors between mussels and oysters lies in their shells. Generally, mussels shells are usually wedge-shaped, thin, and smooth. Nevertheless, oysters’ shells are oval-shaped and have very rough, thick, and calcified shells.
In addition, mussels always live in freshwater or saltwater, but oysters live only in brackish saltwater. Oysters are also larger than mussels.
Mussels Vs. Scallops
Although mussels and scallops belong to the bivalve mollusks, they still have distinct differences.
The most notable and noticeable difference between them is their appearance. Specifically, mussels are wedge-shaped, but scallops are fan-shaped. Moreover, scallops’ shells are weaker than mussels’. They are easy to split right after harvesting.
However, the shots of mussels are more robust and harder to be separated. Especially when mussels are alive, their shells are tightly closed. This could lead to the fact that their preservation is partly different.
Scallops can be preserved by freezing, whereas mussels can be maintained by freezing or soaking in the water. Another striking difference is that scallops can swim in the water, and mussels cannot.
Scallops swim underwater using their adductor to squeeze their shells, then shoot water from one end. Thanks to the pressure of the water, they are pushed forward in the direction they want. The mussels cannot swim but can only walk with their muscular foot.
Useful Tips For Choosing Right Mussels To Eat
Whether buying fresh or raw mussels, the first and foremost thing you need to consider is picking up suitable mussels. Now, do not hesitate to get ready and follow this post. I will provide you with a few valuable tips that you should bear in mind.
1. Search For Tightly Closed Shells
The mussel’s shell is obviously evident that the mussels are still alive and fresh or dead. Therefore, it is essential to see whether or not the mussel shells are opened.
If the shell is closed, it proves that the mussels are delicate and fresh to eat. Conversely, open shots indicate that the mussels are not good anymore or have died. In case you eat these mussels, you will catch some diseases.
2. Search For Clean Mussels
Another thing you need to do before buying mussels is to make sure the shells have good hygiene. Clean mussels show that they have been taken care of or are ready to be on sale properly.
By contrast, dirty shells are those which are not well-harvested or carefully cleaned. In case you are unlucky to buy dirty mussels, do not worry. You only need to rinse them under strong water to remove sand and dirt in the shells.
3. Search For Enact Shells
One more thing you need to search for is to avoid cracked or chipped mussels. The shells having cracks or chips can illustrate that the mussels were not cultivated and transported appropriately or are dead.
These mussels will be unsafe to eat simply because cracks in the shells might be the door for bacteria to enter the mussels. Hence, when you buy mussels, you should remember to look carefully at their outfits to have a better shopping experience.
4. Smell The Mussels To Give Off Any Bad Odors
Fresh mussels usually smell aquatic and briny, but if the mussels smell excessively fishy or slightly contaminated, they are not good, and you ought to avoid buying them. Feel free to smell the mussels before paying money for them unless you want to throw your money around.
Tips For Cooking Mussels
There are a myriad of useful tips for cooking mussels. Follow this post to discover some easy and simple ways to cook mussels.
Steaming
One of the most common ways to cook mussels is by steaming them. Steps to make this fantastic food are really simple, but meat mussels still preserve the texture and flavor.
Because black mussels are smaller than green ones, it takes a shorter steaming time to cook them compared to green mussels. It only takes six to seven minutes to have perfectly soft flesh black mussels and ten to fifteen minutes for green ones.
With some simple steps, everyone can become a professional cook of steaming mussels.
Grilling
If you have a BBQ with your besties, mussels are also the best choice. The way to grill mussels is as simple as steaming, and you need to heat your grill until hot enough. Then you put your fresh mussels on the cooking grate. That’s all!
You are going to make wonderful grilling mussels in just a few minutes.
Pan-Roasting Mussels
It would be best if you try pan-roasted mussels for a fast, simple, and filling meal. All you need is to place the mussels in a heavy pan or a cast-iron skillet, then toss and stir until their shells open. Add your mussels with black pepper or minced parsley.
You are able to learn how to pan-roast mussels.
Green vs. Black Mussels Recipe
Depending on individual preferences, there are a bunch of recipes made with green and black mussels, and there is also a wide range of dishes to serve with mussels. Let’s find out now:
Pan-Fried Mussels
If you are looking for an effortless but incredibly delicious dish that does not take too much time, then this is the best choice. It is a bit unusual, but it is a delicious appetizer that will impress you and your beloved people.
With this recipe, you will achieve a crunchy crust while retaining the distinct flavor of the mussels. Everyone can cook this simple dish with ease.
It is easier for you to prepare pan-fried mussels.
Steamed Mussels With Garlic And Parsley
Another uncomplicated way to cook mussels is steamed mussels. It is unbelievable that only eight ingredients can make satisfying food. If you have a bag of mussels and need to know what you should do with them, do not hesitate to think of this appetizer.
You can learn how to cook steamed mussels like a pro here.
Black Mussels Recipe
There are numerous tasty recipes with black mussels, and I highly recommend two of them as follows.
Black Mussels In Tomato, Coconut Milk, And Lemongrass Sauce
This is one of the tastiest and easiest dishes to cook with black mussels. The sweet flavor of black mussels, together with the fatty taste of coconut milk and the unique aroma of lemongrass will surely make you unable to stop eating this delicious food.
More importantly, the ingredients to make this dish are extremely familiar to everyone and easy to find everywhere.
You may become proficient in cooking this fancy recipe step by step.
Drunken Mussels
Just hearing the name of this recipe makes me feel a bit tipsy. If you are a real fan of the pungent taste of wine and the sweet taste of black mussels, do not miss this fantastic dish.
The steps to cook this food are also very simple. You need to boil the wine and put the cleaned mussels in. After that, you should wait until the mussels’ shells are fully open and then enjoy this delicious treat.
One thing I am really sure of is that after enjoying this dish, you will be “drunk” because of not only the spicy taste of the wine but also the irresistible taste of black mussels meat.
This delicious food is no longer a challenge for you.
Green Mussels Recipe
Since green mussels’ flavor is slightly sweeter and less salty than their black counterparts, it is vital to have specific sauces in recipes related to them.
Dynamite Mussels
If you are a big fan of Japanese food, it is a pity if you miss this type of food. Dynamite sauce is a unique Japanese sauce that makes you unforgettable after enjoying it.
This yummy and creamy sauce is super easy to make and once combined with the fresh taste of green mussel meat, you will not be disappointed.
Provided that you are a lover of spicy food. After eating this dish, I guarantee that you will evolve into a real fire-breathing dragon. Do not hesitate to prepare this food to invite your loved ones to enjoy.
If you are looking for the best way to bake Dynamite mussels.
Spicy Green-Lipped Mussels
If the spiciness of the Dynamite Mussels recipe is not suitable for your level of eating spicy food, then this recipe will satisfy you. The savory chili flavor, the fatty taste of coconut milk, and the incredible sweetness of green mussels will make you fall in love with this dish.
The remarkable thing is that this kind of food is straightforward to make. It only takes you a little time to get the perfect result.
It is helpful to learn how to cook spicy green mussels.
FAQs
In order to discover more about green vs. black mussels, please follow this post, and I will explain some facts that only some know about these species. The following information will be helpful and surprise you.
Let The Cat Out of The Bag
I strongly hold the belief that from the useful information in this article, you may have your own answer for which mussels are more popular. The answer depends on each personal need and there would be various answers.
The last thing I want to assume is that both mussels bring beneficial uses for humanity. However, beyond their majority of benefits, mussels might be over-harvested, which could lead to the extinction of these creatures.
Hence, the advice is to be a wise consumer, and you need to be aware of some precautions before purchasing mussels.
References
- What are green mussels? (2022).
- What are the nutritional values of mussels (2022).
- What are Blue Mussels (2022).
- What are Zebra Mussels (2022).
- Why don’t people eat raw mussels?
