short history of Scottish mussels

A Short History of Scottish Mussels

Cultural Delight

Mussels are a cultural delight: a dish that you are as likely to find in a fine dining restaurant as in the local pub, and quick and easy to whip up at home. Scottish mussels are some of the best in the world. Prepared with other local ingredients, they make a meal to remember.

Rope Grown

Our mussels are rope-grown on the West Coast of Scotland and in the Shetland Isles, but that wasn’t always the case. They have been a part of our diet for more than 20,000 years, and while cultivation started in the thirteenth century, there was plenty of hard work that went into harvesting them prior to that.

Collecting Mussels by Hand!

It was not uncommon to spend hours collecting mussels by hand from their natural environment, walking along the sea shore with a bucket and perhaps a knife to gently ease the shell away from the rock. The mussels may then have been placed into saltwater to continue to fatten up and filter out some of the grittiness before being cooked up.

Mussel Stew

A traditional Scottish recipe for mussel stew included staples that we see in other mussel-loving cultures around the world: garlic, parsley and cream. These days we are more likely to opt for moules marinière. Tarragon is a novel replacement herb, giving the dish a warming sensation perfect for those chilly Scottish evenings.

Natural Bed vs Cultivated

Mussels collected from natural beds often have a gritty texture, and may not be as plump as cultivated ones. Farming allows for fat, juicy specimens that soak up the seasoning as they cook, and never offending with a sandy mouth-feel.

Eco-friendly

The methods that we use on our small isle mean that mussels are ecologically sound, too. In Europe and much of the rest of the world, mussels are harvested through dredging, harming starfish and other creatures. With rope grown cultivation, Scotland’s mussels do only good.

References

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What are Omega 3 fatty acids & what are the benefits?

In recent years there have been many TV adverts and health promotions highlighting how important Omega 3 fatty acids are for our health. How they are particularly good for your brain, but what are the other benefits?

Fatty Acids

Omega 3 is also known as ‘fatty acids’, but don’t be fooled by the description, we need healthy fats in our diets to keep our brains working.  Omega-3’s also serve to cut cholesterol, which is fantastic news for your heart.  It is suggested that even one portion of shellfish per week can reduce the chances of a heart attack by 10%!

Benefits

The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids extend to almost every area of health. Pregnant women may want to give their babies a boost by including them in their diet.  This will improve vision and even intelligence in the babies while they are still in the womb. Adults will gain benefits too, because including Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet has been shown to help with memory loss and even depression.

Shellfish & Omega 3

Shellfish are high in Omega 3’s which means a healthy heart, a healthy brain, and healthy bones.  All from just one to two delicious shellfish additions to your weekly meal routine.

What’s not to love about shellfish?  Find out if all shellfish are good for you here.

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oysters mussels
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Choosing the right alcoholic drink for your mussel or oyster dish

Choosing the right alcoholic beverage to go with your dish can be quite difficult if you are not much of a connoisseur.  Do you find yourself standing in the wine aisle, in the supermarket, staring blankly at the bottles? Then this simple guide is for you.  Whether you are holding a dinner party, cooking for your other half or you just fancy a nice meal and a great wine or beer to go with it, then just follow this guide.

Mussel Dishes

Dry White Wine with Moules Marinières

Moules marinières is usually made with a dry white wine such as Muscadet, so you might as well drink the same wine with them (source)

Rosé with Mussel Linguine in Tomato Sauce

Rosé is best with tomato-based or porky broths. These dishes won’t clash with a white wine, but they often work better with wines that have a little bit more body and some berry fruit (source)

Champagne with Thai Mussels

Winedin.com suggests either Champagne, White Bordeaux, Varricchio or American Gewürztraminer with spicy Thai mussels

Gin with Gin & Tonic Mussels

Claire Jessiman from Foodie Quine created this lovely dish for us and we think it is only right to appreciate a wonderful Scottish Gin as an accompanying drink with this gorgeous mussel dish

Oyster Dishes

Champagne with Raw Oysters

The bubbles in Champagne help accent the mineral qualities of oysters, making the whole combination taste fresh and reminiscent of the sea (source)

Oyster Stout with Creamy Crunchy Oysters

Fiona Beckett suggests an oyster stout (which doesn’t actually contain oysters) which is designed to not be bitter and is smooth and velvety, the perfect match for oysters.

 

If you have any suggestions for recipes or have a great drink and shellfish match, let us know by clicking here.

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oysters for the poor
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Oysters for the poor!

It’s hard to believe that oysters used to be considered a peasants’ food. Barrels of ice and freshly shucked oysters were to be found on London street corners, and pubs served them up with pints as a snack.

Cheap and sustainable

The reason for the popularity of these tasty bivalves was the low-price point, a result of the ease in which they grow naturally. As filter feeders, they help to keep the water around them clear and sweet.  Meaning that even the farmed variety are sustainable and ecologically sound.

The Oyster, An aphrodisiac?

As popularity increased, so did the price.  This meant that often they were a treat enjoyed on special occasions. The reputation of oysters as an aphrodisiac grew, and they began to be associated with Valentine’s Day.

While there are no special qualities that are specifically good for this sort of celebration, oysters contain plenty of zinc.  Zinc is an energy booster that creates a feel-good mood, thus the connection between oysters and amore!

Other health benefits

Oysters (along with most other shellfish) are also high in iron, selenium, calcium, and vitamins including A, C, and B12.  Which means that including a couple in your weekly diet is one of the easiest possible ways to make sure you get your recommended dosage of health boosting minerals and vitamins.

Oyster serving suggestions

Low in calories and fat but high in protein, oysters should not continue to be relegated to the starter menu.  A dozen just-shucked oysters sprinkled with tabasco, mignonette, or simple lemon is a sure-fire way to get the taste buds tingling and satisfy hearty appetites. For those that prefer their molluscs warm, serve them grilled with butter and cream for a fulfilling option.

The delicate flavour of the sea comes through no matter what your favourite method happens to be. What’s more, oysters can be paired with a deliciously crisp white wine or a sturdy stout. Easy to prepare, a friend to all accompaniments, and healthy beyond belief.

Oysters really are the wonder-food that has been right under our noses all this time!

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health benefits of shellfish
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Are all shellfish good for you?

Last month we told you all about the health benefits of mussels but what are the health benefits of all shellfish?

  • Extra energy
  • Glowing skin
  • Healthy heart

To name a few, it’s hard to beat shellfish.

Shellfish are full of nutrients, minerals, and those excellent omega-3s. They are quick, easy and (above all) a delicious way to improve your diet. It's recommended you have 2 portions of fish a week.

Scottish Shellfish – On your doorstep!

Luckily, in Scotland we have a wide array of choice, and you can be sure that whatever you choose the journey from sea to plate is as quick as can be. All you should do is look forward to including fresh, delicate shellfish in your new favourite recipes.

Mussels, oysters, crab and lobster are extremely low in fat and high in protein which is good news for anybody hoping to lose weight without forgoing flavour.  A portion of shellfish will leave you feeling full and satisfied, all without sacrificing the calories.

What can I eat with shellfish?

The options are endless, but the classics are always a winner:

  • Mussels in white wine
  • Lobster with a little lemon
  • Crab and avocado salad
  • Oysters with a touch of tabasco

What could be more mouth-watering, while still being so very good for you?

Additional Benefits  

If the above isn’t reason enough to tuck into some tasty Scottish shellfish, they also contain zinc, copper, magnesium and iron, all necessary minerals that will improve health overall.  Iron deficiencies can leave you feeling tired and weak, so making sure to take in enough is a great way to boost energy levels, naturally.

Shellfish for dinner?

With such versatile, tempting produce available on our doorstep, fresh and sweet and ready for your recipes, it is almost a crime to ignore Scottish shellfish! With all the above benefits it’s surely time to add more mussels, oysters, crab and lobster to your diet?

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Mussels
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What are the Health Benefits of Mussels?

Mussels are an under-appreciated wonder food. Full of vitamins and minerals, high in protein and low in fat.  It is a wonder these culinary stars are not more of a staple in the British diet. However, with more information about the health benefits of mussels than ever before, it’s starting to change. Top nutritionists and fitness professionals have started to explore how the simple mussel boosts physical health.

Health Benefit 1 - High Protein and Low Fat

Seafood (shellfish in particular) is high in protein and low in fat. This is great news for anyone on a calorie restricted diet, as it shows it’s possible to enjoy exciting meals that are healthy without sacrificing flavour. There is no need for fat, as steaming or boiling with a few herbs or white wine is the best way to prepare a tasty mussel dish.

Health Benefit 2 - Iron & Protein

For those who enjoy a high-protein intake, mussels offer a welcome break from steak. Not only are they better for the environment (as they are ecologically friendly and easy to farm) they also offer levels of protein and iron that rival that of red meat.  An increase in protein and iron intake boosts mood, energy levels, and even complexion.  A fantastic outcome from introducing mussels to your weekly diet!

Health Benefit 3 - High in Vitamins A & B12

Vitamin A is excellent for the skin, eyes and immune system. While B12 is an essential vitamin that only naturally occurs in animal products. B12 deficiency can lead to problems with heart health and anaemia, among other complications, and is important for overall health. Make sure you get the recommended daily allowance from dairy products, eggs, and, of course, sources such as shellfish and mussels.

Health Benefit 4 - Improves Brain Function

Mussels contribute to circulatory health and energy levels.  Are brilliant for improving brain function and reducing inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.

Health Benefit 5 - Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The heart benefits from a reduction in the risk of heart attack due to those all-important Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are vital, and have all sorts of health benefits that should not be overlooked.

Why Mussels?

Mussels are one of the most well-rounded foods to include in your diet, high in zinc, iron and other minerals, vitamins A and B12. A fantastic source of protein, low in calories and low in fat. Prepared in a classic moules marinière or in a more adventurous Thai curry, or simply steamed. No matter how they are eaten, rest assured they are a delicious and healthy choice.

Healthy Benefits Mussels

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Why Scottish mussels are more environmentally friendly than ever!

Did you know that Scottish rope grown mussels have one of the lowest carbon footprints around for any kind of protein production?

In this modern age where sustainability and low environmental impact are seen as essential components of modern food production, research has shown that one of the best foods for meeting such requirements are Scottish mussels

A report published by the Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum (SARF) in 2011 revealed that the footprint of Scottish mussels is around 19 times less than found in beef production. The report concluded that mussels can justifiably be promoted as a low-carbon food.

These environmentally friendly credentials were backed up in a later BBC Horizon programme where presenter and food science expert, Dr Michael Mosely described Scottish rope grown mussels as “one of the most efficient and tasty forms of animal protein in the world”.

The reason why this should be so is easy to see, given the natural growing techniques used in mussel production. Young mussels (as free floating larvae or spat) settle naturally on the suspended ropes and then grow by feeding on sea plankton found in the rich tidal flows around Scotland.

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Try the ‘food of love’ this Valentine’s Day!

Mussels make the perfect Valentine’s Day treat – quick and easy to cook, and looking absolutely sensational when served on a plate!

Indeed, mussels really are the ‘food of love’. They contain life-enhancing minerals like magnesium, copper, iodine, iron and selenium – as well as zinc, which is critical to human libido and fertility. They are also a good source of healthy Omega-3 oils that are good for your heart.

No wonder that mussels are now widely regarded as the ultimate ‘sexy’ dish, and sharing a bowl of these delicious shellfish helps couples to relax and feel comfortable in each other’s company.

And then, of course, there are oysters. Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be the same without these wonderful gems from the sea. It is said Casanova allegedly ate 50 oysters for breakfast every morning to boost his libido. Studies have also shown that raw oysters are full of certain amino acids that can trigger increased levels of sex hormones.

So, it would seem that mussels and oysters really are the perfect romantic treat! Take a look at our recipe page for some ideas on how to prepare. Enjoy!

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Healthy Mussels with Pasta

The ultimate superfood – make Scottish mussels part of your healthy eating programme!

With the New Year upon us, now is the time to get eating healthily – and when it comes to superfoods, then mussels are right there at the top!

Mussels, oysters and other shellfish can play a crucial role in maintain good health and for feeling great.

Shellfish such as mussels are rich in zinc and selenium. A meal of mussels can provide half our daily need for zinc and more than one and a half times the amount of antioxidant selenium we should have. A serving also provides a third of our daily needs for iron – which is particularly important for those who are at risk from developing iron deficiency anaemia.

Mussels are also a good source of vitamins B2 and B12, phosphorous, copper, iodine and heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids.

And why are all these good for you?

  • Zinc helps process the carbohydrate, fat and protein in the food we eat and assists with the healing of wounds.
  • Vitamin B12 is important for the normal functioning of the brain and the nervous system and plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells.
  • Iron is key in making the red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. Iron deficiency can result in anaemia.
  • Selenium plays a key role in the human body’s antioxidant defence system, preventing damage to cells and tissues.
  • Omega 3 helps protect the heart and is believed to reduce the risk of developing some forms of cancers.

Mussels are also so easy to cook, which makes them the perfect partner as part of your healthy eating regime!

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Scottish mussels and oysters make the perfect Christmas treat!

Mussels and oysters make a great Christmas treat and are the ideal special occasion food, easy to prepare and taste so good too!

Whether it is a delicious mussel ready meal from your local supermarket or buying from the fresh fish counter or your local fishmonger, you simply can’t go wrong with these fantastic shellfish.

Scottish mussels and oysters are the ultimate in sustainable seafood, growing naturally in Scotland’s pristine sea lochs and voes. Indeed, our rope-grown mussels are certified with the Marine Stewardship Council ecolabel for the environmentally responsible way they are cultivated.

They are healthy to eat too and can give your body a good all-round nutrient boost.

Top mussel serving suggestion: Add unshelled mussels to curries, stir-fries and fish pie, or cook in a tomato based sauce and serve with spaghetti or linguine.

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