Mussels are very special, but still a basic food, how widespread varies from culture to culture. Those nations that have a seabed are quite natural, almost an everyday staple matters.
Nowadays, it is available to everyone and has slowly infiltrated the gastronomy as we know it. Nevertheless, it is still in many cases as a curiosity is important, as it is available in mainland countries, but the price is obviously higher.
What is a scallop
Scallops - also known as St James' mussels - are actually two types of mussels. Pecten jacobaeus (St. James' scallop) and Pecten maximus (Great scallop). Both belong biologically to the scallop (Pecten) genus, but their habitat is different. While Pecten jacobaeus is found in the Mediterranean Sea, Pecten maximus is found in the Atlantic Ocean from the north to Portugal. There are more than 400 species of scallops, all members of the family Pectinidae. However, scallops are an endangered species, so fishing for them is regulated and controlled. For example, only specimens larger than 11 cm can be caught for sale. It is therefore natural nowadays that, due to the increased demand, it is now common practice to farm them in many places, even far from their original habitat. Importantly, not all shellfish are edible for humans, but these two are known to be good and among the most delicious species.
Why St James' shell
St James is the patron saint of pilgrims. James was one of the first disciples of Jesus, according to the Synoptic Gospels, who were sitting with their father on the beach when Jesus called them. Legends have drawn parallels between the migration of the shells and St James. The shell was assigned to him after his death as a sign of recognition, and is usually depicted on his hat, sometimes on his belt. This posthumous attribution made the St James shell a symbol of pilgrims, especially those on the pilgrimage route of St James (El Camino), and it was widespread in the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, people used the „St James” shell for immersion on their pilgrimages. Because its shape made it suitable.
Shellfish meat is very healthy
Mussels are an extremely healthy food. It is rich in proteins, fatty acids and is an aphrodisiac. Mussels contain vitamin B12, with an abundance of minerals. This helps the metabolism. It is rich in vitamins and has very good antioxidant properties. Because it contains abundant amounts of phosphorus, iodine and manganese, it is a guardian of bone health. Regular consumption of shellfish is very beneficial for cardiovascular diseases and their prevention.
It is particularly beneficial for maintaining activity and health in women and men. Because it can increase the viscosity of the sexual fluid for both sexes, it can increase the chances of pregnancy in women and the activity of seminal fluid in men.
The mussel season
Like everything else, shellfish consumption is in season. This can be in the autumn or winter months. It is important to be careful when buying mussels, as it is better not to cook them once they have opened. Throw it in the bin! Anything that opens during cooking should also be thrown away!
Mussels in the diet
In fact, mussels can be prepared in many different ways, so they are suitable for both starters and main courses. If you are preparing a dish with live mussels, it is important to pay attention to the preparation. The first step is to store them in salt water. It is quite labour-intensive, but the shell should be cleaned thoroughly and any parts that stick out should be removed.
Mussels make good food
One advantage is the ease of preparation. In addition, mussels are a very tasty dish and not only can they be prepared in many different ways, but they can also be seasoned in as many different ways. It is therefore possible for almost anyone to achieve a taste that can make it a highly desirable dish. It is very good with a few green herbs, but mixing them is no problem either.
Author: Tamás Budafoki
Photo by Pixabay
