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DESCRIPTION
New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels are naturally grown, carefully harvested, meticulously handled and offer new menu possibilities to mainstream restaurants. The tender, delicious uniquely attractive IQF half shell form suggests culinary innovations for the mussel category, appealing in particular to American diners who are increasingly seeking the new and adventurous.
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The mild flavour of our mussels allows for their application in a wide range of ethnic cuisines and modern cooking styles, from Asian and Barbeque to Mexican and Tuscan. In particular, people who like shellfish will enjoy trying this premium quality mussel and will appreciate its clean presentation and simple taste. The unique half shell is colourful and attractive, adding visual appeal to a plate, and is an ideal way to literally carry additional flavour. Cooked to perfection, New Zealand Greenshell™ has a velvety mantle and al dente lips (like squid).
Culinary Benefits
- Easy to Use - Already cleaned, no beards to remove, so time-saving
- Consistent - Standardized quantities per pound for consistency
- Less Waste - Only one shell to discard, thaw only what is needed
- Lower Cost - Portion costs are lower compared with other mussels
- Attractive - Better plate coverage compared to other mussels
- Highest Quality - Adds affordable quality to the menu
- Less Skill Required - Simple to use and low preparation skill needed
- Safe - A safe shellfish, certified as exceeding all US health standards
- Safe - Harvested from waters certified as free of naturally occurring harmful biotoxins
- High Quality - Industry wide quality standards differentiated by a certified trademark
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (Perna canaliculus) are blanched and then individually quick frozen (IQF) on the half shell within hours of harvest.
Standardised Counts Per Pound (click to view table)
Average Portion Size (click to view table)
Approximate Product Colour Guide
70% cream (male), 30% apricot / orange (female). Colour makes no flavour difference and is a natural variance. This characteristic, combined with the shell's distinctive emerald sheen, makes for dramatic presentations.
Harvested |
WILD |
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FARMED |
100% natural. No artificial feeds, growth promotants or antibiotics used.
Environmental |
THREATENED |
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SUSTAINABLE |
Environmentally friendly. Recognized as the most 'Ocean Friendly' shellfish in the world by American environmental agency Blue Ocean Institute. New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels are not dredged.
Recovery Rate |
0% |
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100% |
55% of half shell is meat*
Flavour |
MILD |
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STRONG |
Sweet, mild shellfish flavour compliments many cuisine styles.
Texture |
SOFT |
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FIRM |
Tender when properly prepared. Cooked to perfection, the New Zealand Greenshell™ has a velvety mantle and al dente lips (like squid).
* Note: Percentage may vary depending on the time of the year of harvest
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NUTRITION
Today consumers expect food that tastes good as well as contributes to health, longevity and is wholesome and enjoyable to eat. New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels meet all of these requirements.
Nutritional Highlight
New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels are low in carbohydrates and cholesterol, high in Omega 3 and a great source of haem iron (easily absorbed). In comparing haem iron foods, 100 grams of steamed mussels (6 medium sized mussels) contains 12mg of haem iron, providing the daily requirement for women aged 19-54 years, whilst 100 grams of lean beef contains only 3.4mg.
Nutritional Information for New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussels and United States Recommended Daily Allowances (click to view table)
SUPERIOR MEAT TO SHELL RATIO
Meat to shell ratio is used to determine net weight of mussel meat from the gross weight of a mussel which includes shell. These ratios are used as a processing guide for meat recovery. The standard practice is to take 1kg of half shell mussels, weigh the product, remove the meat and weigh the product again. The meat should be in the range of 55% of total gross weight.
Meat to Shell Ratio Comparisons
| NZGM (Perna canaliculus) | Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis) | |
Average meat to shell ratio* |
55% |
25% |
| Half shell recovery figure* | 50% cooked weight (‘cooked' weight is lower due to loss of water during cooking process) |
14-18% cooked weight (this is largely due to the small mussel meat, heavy shell and loss of water during cooking process) |
| Conclusions |
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Plate Cost Comparison: NZGM v Blue Mussels
| NZGM (Perna canaliculus) | Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis) | |
Entrée Portion Size |
9 oz |
16 oz |
Meat Weight |
5 oz |
4 oz |
| Although the average cost per lb wholesale may be slightly higher for NZGM than Blue Mussels, the average cost per portion is lower for NZGM. Fewer shells are necessary for NZGM resulting in considerably lower plate costs. | ||
BASIC COOKING AND HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FROZEN NEW ZEALAND GREENSHELL MUSSELS
New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels IQF on the half shell are convenient and versatile. Serve them as paellas and risottos, swirl them in a light curry of seafood sauce or serve them on pasta. They are superb as tapas or coated with tempura batter and flash fried. The culinary options are almost limitless.
Thawing Instructions
Handling Instructions
Preparation Instructions
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US Based Culinary Consultants
www.charliebaggsinc.com - Charlie Baggs Inc is an international foodservice consulting company specialising in Marketing Support, Product & Flavour Development, Gold Standard Recipes, National Account Presentations, Culinary Training, Sensory Science and Marketing Research.
Suggested Wines and Beverages
A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is one of the New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels best 'companions' , other white varietals or a light red are also possible. Also suitable is a light ale or lager.