Up first in the Superfoods Series we have... Mussels

Why are mussels so special?
Productive...
Around the UK, mussels are typically grown on ropes dangling in coastal waters. The ‘seeds’ are attached to the rope and the mussels grow, clumping together in massive groups. These ropes are incredibly productive - a small farm with 12 long lines can produce up to 80,000kg of mussels each year!
Across the world, there is an estimated 1.5 million km2 of coastline suitable for growing bivalves. Developing just 1% of this could produce enough bivalves to meet the protein requirements of over a billion people.
Self-sustaining...
Unlike other ocean-dwelling livestock, which need many costly inputs like feed and chemicals, mussels can be completely left to their own devices. This is because mussels are filter feeders, meaning they take materials out of the surrounding water and transform them into nutrients which they use to grow. This means that not only do they not need to be fed, but they also clean the water around them! They've even been used to clean urban waters, such as those at the Liverpool Docks.
Low carbon...
Another superpower of mussels is that they actually take carbon out of the water (that has come from the atmosphere) and use it to grow their shells! This, combined with the reduced need for inputs, they have a tiny carbon footprint compared to other protein sources. For example, 340 tonnes of greenhouse gases are released to produce one tonne of beef, whilst only 11 tonnes are released per tonne of bivalves protein (mussels are a type of bivalve).
Low waste...
Another benefit of these shells is that they act as their own packaging – no need for masses of expensive and carbon-consuming packaging.
Economical...
The cost of bivalve farming is also low, and no great improvements in infrastructure would be needed to increase production, meaning that scaling this up in the UK and across the world is a worthwhile venture.
Health-promoting...
And when it comes to health – mussels are powerhouses. They are packed full of protein (23.7g/100g), healthy omega-3 fats, and they boast high Iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 content.
Mussels really do have enormous potential.
However, to fulfill this potential - they need to be eaten! Mussels are simple to prepare and cook, they're cheaper than a lot of other seafood, and they taste delicious. So, whether you're very familiar with mussels, or whether you've never tried one - I urge you to go and give them a try. They're very versatile meaning there is a lot you can do with them.
Here are some great recipes: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/mussels-recipes
Go flex those mussels!
I give mussels 9/10
Key sources & further reading:
Willer & Aldridge (2020), Sustainable bivalve farming can deliver food security in the tropics, Nature Food: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-020-0116-8
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