The Nutritional Value and Benefits of Freshwater Mussels, Plus How to Clean the Innards and Delicious Recipes Explained in Detail

The freshwater mussel goes by different names in different regions, such as hewai, waier, hege li, niaobei, gala, wakua, and Beijiao wuchi, and is an edible mollusk.So what are the nutritional value and benefits of freshwater mussels? How do you clean the innards? How do you cook them so they taste good?

1. What are the nutritional value and benefits of freshwater mussels?

Freshwater mussels have high nutritional value, containing nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins A, B1, and B2. The nutrition table compiled below can serve as a reference.

1. Freshwater mussels help improve eyesight and prevent nearsightedness: freshwater mussel meat is rich in calcium, and calcium increases the elasticity of the eyeball wall, preventing and controlling the onset and progression of nearsightedness.

2. Freshwater mussels help break down alcohol and protect the gastric mucosa: freshwater mussels can break down the toxicity of ethanol and are quickly excreted after drinking. They can relieve symptoms such as headache, mental fog, and flushed face after drinking. They slow the absorption of alcohol in the stomach and protect the gastric mucosa.

3. Freshwater mussels help clear heat and detoxify: freshwater mussels can clear the heart and purge fire, clear heat and relieve irritability, and can eliminate heat toxins in the blood. They are suitable for people who are prone to internal heat.

4. Freshwater mussels help strengthen bones: freshwater mussels are rich in calcium, which can stimulate the growth of bone matrix and bone cells and cause calcium salts to be deposited in bone tissue. They contain trace elements such as phosphorus, which can help with calcium absorption and promote bone metabolism.

5. Freshwater mussels help boost immunity: freshwater mussels are rich in protein, and protein is the most important nutrient for maintaining immune function, serving as the main component of white blood cells and antibodies.

2. How do you clean the innards of freshwater mussels?

Apart from the outer shell and the inner gills and intestines, which cannot be eaten, everything else on a freshwater mussel can be eaten. The specific cleaning steps are as follows:

1. Place the freshwater mussels you bought in a container filled with clean water, change the water several times, and let them spit out the sand and mud inside their bodies.

2. Use a kitchen knife to cut along the opening seam and remove the gills from inside the mussel meat,

3. Then, following the mesh of the mussel meat, pinch off the opening of the intestine and gently squeeze so the remaining sand and mud inside the mussel meat is expelled completely. Finally, rinse it once more and it is done.

3. How do you cook freshwater mussels so they taste good?

Freshwater Mussel, Salted Pork, and Tofu Casserole

Main ingredients: freshwater mussels, white tofu, fresh pork, winter bamboo shoots, salt, ginger, cooking wine, pepper, etc.

Specific preparation method:

1. Cut the freshwater mussel meat into evenly sized small pieces (for the harder parts, you can pound them a few times with the handle of a knife), then rub and wash them with salt 2-3 times until the slime on the mussel meat is washed clean;

2. Put the cleaned freshwater mussel meat into a clay pot, add cooking wine until it covers the mussel meat, bring to a boil, and cook for a few minutes; add ginger slices and water to the clay pot, bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then add the sliced salted pork, bring to a boil again, and turn to low heat;

3. After about half an hour, add the tofu and winter bamboo shoots, simmer over low heat until the freshwater mussel meat is soft and tender and the tofu has formed small holes, then add salt to season. According to your own taste, you can sprinkle some pepper after taking it off the heat.

Braised Freshwater Mussels

Main ingredients: freshwater mussels, scallions, ginger, garlic, cooking wine, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, bell pepper

Specific preparation method:

1. Wash the freshwater mussels clean in clear water, pull out the mud intestine, then put the cleaned freshwater mussels into a pressure cooker and cook under pressure for ten minutes, then hold the pressure for 5 minutes;

2. Take the pressure-cooked freshwater mussels out of the pressure cooker, rinse them once more with clear water, drain the water, cut them into small pieces, heat oil in a pan, and add ginger, garlic, and chili;

3. Add the freshwater mussels and stir-fry; once they change color, add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and an appropriate amount of sugar and water, cook over high heat for five minutes, then turn to low heat and cook for fifteen minutes;

4. After the sauce has reduced, sprinkle with chopped scallions and it is ready to come out of the pan.

4. How much do freshwater mussels cost per jin?

Prices vary due to factors such as different varieties and places of origin, and the general price is 2 yuan to 5 yuan per jin.