TURNER^® New Zealand Mussels are everybody’s favorite owing to their delicious clean taste. But cooking them often gets tricky if you don’t know the little secrets on how to prepare and cook them. In this post, we make it really easy for you to make a fabulous dish of TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels.  Let’s look at one of Noel Turner’s simplest yet lip-smacking recipes for his TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels. This recipe only takes 5-10 minutes from start to finish! But, before that, let’s get to know little a bit more about this incredibly delicious healthy superfood. So, let's begin!

Getting to know TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels

TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels are the green-lipped mussels native to New Zealand. As you can see, the mussel gets its name from the green hue of its shell, which also gives it a great exotic appearance. These mussels don’t only look great but are also one of the best health-promoting delicacies you could ever desire! Why? Because they are literally stuffed with tons of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Green-lipped mussels of New Zealand have exceptional nutrient profiles owing to the habitat where they are grown. Yup, the unpolluted ocean water of New Zealand and the big hole in the ozone layer above it are the primary reasons. Hole in the ozone? What does it have to do with the nutrients in the greenlip mussels? Well, it’s due to the ozone hole that the veggies, fruits, and edible plants, including seaweed and phytoplankton, found in New Zealand, have unparalleled levels of bioactive nutrients in them. In response to the excess solar radiation they are exposed to, they (especially the tiny phytoplankton in the ocean) produce more antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are the prime reason why New Zealand plants and micro-marine life are therapeutic.  Green-lipped mussels feed on this nutrient-rich phytoplankton and absorb all the powerful antioxidants, thus turning themselves into a storehouse of phytonutrients.

New Zealand greenlip mussels are more than just a food, they are the ultimate SUPERFOOD! They contain the building blocks of life; over 32 omegas in the perfect ratio, 18 of them are highly intelligent forms of omega-3s, not found in any other life form, that systemically reduce inflammation throughout the 100 trillion cells of the body to mitigate disease and repair cellular chaos. Packed with a natural source of super-rich protein and a complex mineral & multivitamin compilation containing selenium, calcium, iron, B vitamins, tyrosine, tryptophan, and zinc, along with GAGS (glycosaminoglycans) which are a special form of mucopolysaccharide complex carbohydrates which are also known as the “glue of life”.

Studies on mucopolysaccharide complex carbohydrates from New Zealand greenlip mussels have shown to strengthen immunity and joint tissue regeneration along with the synovial fluid of the joints which are the building blocks required to rebuild collagen and proteoglycans (a complex of protein and GAGS glycosaminoglycans) that reduce inflammation and assist with tissue repair. Synovial fluid, also known as joint fluid, is a thick liquid located between your joints that cushions the ends of the bones and reduces friction when you move your joints. Numerous studies have shown that New Zealand Greenlip Mussels help lubricate the joints and act as shock absorbers, helping the cartilage and connective tissue surrounding the joints to regain elasticity, mobility, and flexibility.

So, as you can see, TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels are more than just a food, they are an absolute SUPERFOOD! So, my recommendation is go looking for a restaurant that serves Noel Turner’s world-famous, aquacultured-wild®, super-fresh TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels today to get a delicious dose of “health in a shell” or go to www.turnernewzealand.com to purchase a 1kg pouch today.

The best recipe to cook TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels

TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels comes in a frozen, fully sealed, vacuum-packed pouch. The pouch contains pre-cooked TURNER Mussels along with the flavor-packed “ocean broth” which is locked into the pouch during the cooking process which is the delicious ocean-juice that oozes out of the TURNER Mussels while they are being pre-cooked to perfection.

To begin, thaw the TURNER mussels in the unopened pouch, this can be by running the frozen pouch under cold water for 10 minutes. When thawed cut open the pouch, pour out the “ocean broth” into a separate container, as this will be the stock for your recipe. Wash the TURNER Mussels under running cold water to remove any beard left inside of the shells. If any shells are not already open, grab a knife and open them, they are all 100% perfect to eat. Every TURNER Mussels is FRESH & PERFECT to eat.

Now, let’s get into the list of ingredients:

• 1 kg TURNER® Whole Shell Mussels
• Pour the ocean broth (from the thawed pouch) in a separate container and keep as base for recipe
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 5-6 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 2-3 scallions (chopped)
• 1 leek (roughly chopped)
• 8-9 Cherry tomatoes (cut into halves)
• 4 tablespoons of grass-fed butter
• Add calabrian chili or fennel for flavor, optional
• Add stalk of thyme or rosemary for flavor, optional
• Add coriander (cilantro) for flavor, optional
• Add ground black pepper or chili flakes, optional

Now let’s start cooking these delicious TURNER^® Whole Shell Mussels – Serving is for 4 people.

• Heat sauté pan, add the olive oil along with the garlic, scallions, leeks, rosemary and thyme. Sauté for approx. 1 minute till they are golden. 
• Now add all the TURNER Mussel Broth that you kept from the pouch into the sauté pan. Bring to boil, takes about 30 seconds.
• Now add the cherry tomatoes, grass-fed butter, and ALL the TURNER Mussels, place a lid on top of the sauté pan.
• Cook on high heat for ONLY 60 seconds, remember, you are only heating the TURNER Mussels because they were already pre-cooked in the pouch
• Tip everything into a bowl and serve with toasted sourdough bread.

This is best simplest mussel recipe in the world. Absolutely gorgeous, delicious, and mouthwatering, TURNER green-lipped mussels are now ready to be devoured!