Green Mussels Vs Blue Mussels – Is Green Better?

Are you a seafood lover? Then you might be aware of mussels. They do taste great and sometimes they are of the color green or sometimes blue, but have you ever wondered where they come from? Or why are how are they such a great addition of nutrients to your diet?

I hope you are ready to explore the fascinating world of green mussels vs blue mussels because these bivalve mollusks are not only a delicious addition to any meal but also a valuable source of nutrition.

In this article, I will delve into the ecology and culinary uses of these two types of mussels, highlighting their differences and similarities. From understanding the habitat of these creatures to learning about the ways they prove to be beneficial for us, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to what you need to know about green and blue mussels.

A Brief of Green vs Blue Mussels

Molluscs are a diverse group of marine animals, many of which have shells. Edible mollusks can be found in saltwater, freshwater, and on land. A molluscan species amongst them is known as green or blue mussels and they can be found in coastal waterways around the globe in a variety of different sizes and shapes. Both have flesh that is solid, sweet, and tasty, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways.

Green Mussels Vs Blue Mussels: Quick Comparison

Here’s a table of comparison between green and blue mussels regarding their habitat, appearance, taste and texture, nutritional value, culinary uses, and the part they play in aquaculture:

Factors	Green Mussels	Blue Mussels
Habitat	Found in most tropical and subtropical waters, usually on rocky surfaces	Found in temperate waters across the Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest concentrations being in the North Atlantic
Color and size	Comes in light green to brownish color. The green mussel shell can be up to six inches long	Have a dark blue-black exterior and can grow up to four inches in length.
Taste and texture	Have a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor with a rich, briny taste	Sweet and robust flavor with a rich, briny taste
Nutritional value	High in protein, and provide a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and iron, and omega-3 fatty acids	Almost the same as green mussels.
Calories	Low in fat and calories	same as green mussels.
Antioxidants	Contain antioxidants	Contain antioxidants
Farming and aquaculture	Green mussels are more common as they are easier to cultivate, with a higher tolerance for variable environmental conditions	Blue mussels are less popular due to their slower growth rate and greater sensitivity to environmental changes
Culinary uses	Cooked in a variety of ways such as fried, grilled, or in curries	Steamed

Green Lipped Mussels Vs Blue Mussels: Detailed Comparison

Now it’s time to explain more about the differences between green and blue mussels. So, keep reading.

Habitat

Green mussels, which are also known as Perna Viridis, are usually found in Southeast Asian, African, and Australian coastal waters. These mussels are very gregarious and can be found in large groups. They are often harvested using bamboo poles, which help to pull the mussels out of the water. Green mussels can also be grown using longlines or rafts.

Blue mussels or Mytilus edulis, on the other hand, are found in the cold coastal waters of Europe, North America, and New Zealand. Blue mussels are generally smaller than green mussels and are often collected by rake or dredge. They can also be lifted by hanging them with ropes or nets.

Flavor And Taste

The flavor of green-lipped mussels is softer and they have a salty, slightly sweet taste. On the other hand, blue mussels come with a distinctive rich, sweet, and stronger “briny” taste. You can compare the taste with a blend of oysters and clams.

Oh talking about oysters, I have an article related to leftover oyster recipes. You can check it, I am sure you’ll find it interesting. 

Color, Size, And Texture

Green mussels generally come with a unique greenish color with a harder, somewhat more significant texture. On the other hand, blue mussels are bluish-black in color and softer in texture than green mussels. 

However, The color can differ. The shell of the green mussel is smooth, with a distinct green coloration around the edge that becomes increasingly brownish near the point of growth. Young mussels are bright green and darken as they age.

Green mussels can grow up to 6 inches long and blue mussels can reach up to 4 inches in length.

Nutrition Value

Both varieties of mussels are very nutrient-dense food sources since they are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for heart health.

Three ounces of mussels provide 40% of the average person’s daily protein requirements and one three-ounce serving contains approximately one-third of the daily value for iron. They are also high in vitamin B12, which is required for the formation of red blood cells.

Impact on Environment

Both varieties of mussels are regarded as environmentally friendly seafood selections. It is believed that green and blue mussels, which filter water as they feed, contribute to better water quality.

Due to the lack of chemical treatments, antibiotics, or feed inputs, mussel farming has a low environmental impact. The strong purification abilities of mussels allow them to enhance the quality and purity of coastal waterways, for instance by lowering eutrophication, by filtering about 25 liters of seawater every day.

To minimize harmful effects on the environment, mussels must be harvested or raised in a sustainable manner. They are crucial in their respective fields from an economic perspective. For instance, green mussels are a significant source of revenue for many coastal villages in Southeast Asia. Green mussels are similarly a significant component of the fishing business in several nations throughout Europe and North America.

Final Verdict: Green or Blue Mussels?

In conclusion, both green mussels and blue mussels are tasty and nutritious types of seafood that are important to many cultures’ culinary traditions. However, they do have some key differences in taste, texture, environmental impact, as well as economic impact.

The main difference is that the green mussels are from warmer waters and have a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor than blue mussels which are from colder waters.

Needless to say, both mussels are high in protein and vitamins, and both can be harvested and farmed using sustainable methods. Most people prefer green mussels and they are more popular. However, it depends on personal taste. So next time you’re at the seafood market, don’t be afraid to try both and see which one you prefer!

FAQs

Are mussels halal

First, according to the Sunni (Maliki, Shafi, and Hanbali), Mussels are halal to consume (1) Again, according to the Hanafi school of thought, shellfish including squid, octopus, mussels, etc, are non-permissible in the Islamic diet (2). So, it’s better to talk to any Islamic scholar about it.

How long do mussels last in the fridge?

If you can properly store mussels in the fridge then they will last for 2-5 days.