Tinker:
Thank you. I thought that was the case but I just thought a mussel was a mussel until I asked about harvesting them. Now I know they're California mussels. I learn something new almost every year.
I have a couple of half-size flat pry bars (like a Wonder Bar) and at least one old chisel I can put to use - and I'll add a pair of penny cutter scissors because what's the use of taking up a new sport if I don't get to buy lots of new stuff?
No shorter than my thumb, no longer than my signal finger, and if I can't pull the little buggers off with my hand, there's a tool or two that'll do the job. Plus, don't foul up the plumbing by cleaning them indoors, and the Dollar General store is about to become my shop for mussel-gathering gear.
Thanks to all. This is great!
bb2fish:
I've enjoyed harvesting mussels. Dollar store is definitely your friend for tools. I bought a dandelion weed tool to separate the mussels from the rocks, but any prybar type tool will do. I found my preference is for the smaller ones...under 2" because that's the flavor/texture I prefer when cooked. To each their own for what they like for taste versus effort. Cleaning Mussels is a lot of work, nothing short of it. Get a scrubber, scissors and some effort, and do it outside... you'll have to decide for yourself if the effort is worth the harvest/reward.
I like thai steamed mussels: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/98442/thai-steamed-mussels/
Lots of recipes of how to manage your success! I enjoy the harvest and the sharing. Go get em!
alpalmer:
--- Quote from: deptrai on November 29, 2020, 07:51:03 PM ---Where is everyone harvesting these mussels? When I crab Siletz Bay on a low tide I tear some off the rocks. They are very small, but my wife loves them.
Dave
--- End quote ---
There are massive amounts of mussels at Cape Lookout, on the south side, just hike down the trail and be there at low tide. Pick the size you prefer. Keep in mind the parking lot at the top is still COVID closed so look for another way onto the beach. Or go up to Oceanside, walk through the tunnel, and harvest off the rocks there at low tide, not quite the effort.
Tinker:
--- Quote from: bb2fish on November 29, 2020, 07:05:23 PM ---I've enjoyed harvesting mussels. Dollar store is definitely your friend for tools. I bought a dandelion weed tool to separate the mussels from the rocks, but any prybar type tool will do. I found my preference is for the smaller ones...under 2" because that's the flavor/texture I prefer when cooked. To each their own for what they like for taste versus effort. Cleaning Mussels is a lot of work, nothing short of it. Get a scrubber, scissors and some effort, and do it outside... you'll have to decide for yourself if the effort is worth the harvest/reward.
I like thai steamed mussels: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/98442/thai-steamed-mussels/
Lots of recipes of how to manage your success! I enjoy the harvest and the sharing. Go get em!
--- End quote ---
Perhaps I have stubby little fingers, Ms. fish. The store-bought mussels I use are about two, maybe two-and-a-half inches long and I guess I should start out with some around that size and some that are larger to see if I can tell a difference.
I don't remember why I have these short Wonder Bars (I've never used either of them) so they'll be the first tools I try to use, but there are a couple of dandelion tools in the garage if pry bars and chisels and just my hands fail me. I'm close enough to mussel beds that I hope to not need to harvest (and clean) too many at a time. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for pointing to the Thai recipe. I'm a fan of Thai cooking and I'll definitely give that a try.
Do I need to soak mussels to remove sand and grit like I soak clams?
Tinker:
--- Quote from: deptrai on November 29, 2020, 07:51:03 PM ---Where is everyone harvesting these mussels? When I crab Siletz Bay on a low tide I tear some off the rocks. They are very small, but my wife loves them.
Dave
--- End quote ---
Dave, I've never plucked the tasty little devils but I've looked at them for years thinking I should grab some. Around here I've noticed the small mussels are in the less desirable spots and the bigger ones occupy the spots that aren't often above water or are only above water for a short period of time at low tide.