Once regarded as the poor relation of the shellfish family because of their small size and relative abundance, mussels are now very popular and fairly cheap to buy. The most mussel meat stir fry blue or European mussels have sleek, shiny shells and tender, nutritious flesh.

Like oysters, they are indiscriminate feeders and must be gathered from unpolluted waters. It’s because of this that most mussels sold in supermarkets and fishmongers are farmed. Read more about responsible fishing at Seafish and Marine Stewardship Council. Peak season for fresh mussels is October to March.

You can buy mussels in their shells year round. Fresh mussels tend to be tightly closed. Allow about 500g per person for a main meal, and half that amount for a starter or for use in pastas or soups. Discard any that float to the top.