What is the seafood month rule?

Do you know about the 'shellfish when there is an 'R' in the month' rule? There's a long-accepted old wives' tale that we should only eat shellfish when there's an 'R' in the month. According to the rule, we should only indulge indulge in delicious oysters, clams, and mussels from September through to April and […]

What months are you not supposed to eat seafood?

Many take this advice to heart, and never buy or eat seafood in the months between May and August. There are some who say a meal including more than one type of seafood ought to be reserved for the fall and Christmas, or that it should at least be restricted to months with an R (from September to April).

Why do they say not to eat oysters in months without an R?

The idea of not eating oysters during months without an 'R' comes from the fact that the summer months are the prime breeding time for ``red tides,'' or large blooms of algae that grow along the coast and have the tendency to spread toxins that can be absorbed by shellfish, including oysters.

What's the rule about months and mussels?

You may have heard of the old saying that you should only eat shellfish during the months that contain the letter 'R'. So from September through to April you can feast on oysters and mussels, but in the summer months they are to be avoided? Here is the truth behind the shellfish 'R' rule.

What months should you not eat mussels?

First, stick to the general shellfish rule of not eating them when there isn't an R in the month -- May to August, as this is when they are in poor condition from spawning and they are more likely to harbour toxins, which do better in warmer conditions.

Oysters & the ‘R’ Month Rule: What You Need to Know! | Food Unwrapped

When should you not eat lobster?

When looking at lobster meat, it should be a creamy white or include a little bit of pink pending if it is cooked. If you see any abnormal discoloration, especially green, stay clear! Are you still unsure whether the lobster is bad? It's a safe bet to go with your gut, throw the meat away, and stay clear.

What is the season for mussels in the UK?

🦪 In the UK, autumn through early spring is prime time for mussels, when they're at their absolute best – firm, plump, and bursting with flavour.

Why shouldn't you eat mussels that don't open?

When a mussel doesn't open, it doesn't mean that it's off. It simply means that it has super strong adductor muscles that just won't budge. You can prise it open with a knife and it will still be fine to eat. This is a myth that has persisted for no good reason.

Can you pick mussels off the beach in the UK?

Where and How.. Cornwall is the perfect place for picking your own Mussels. The huge rocks on our tidal, clean beaches create the perfect home for growing these delectable goodies, which means there are plenty of them. They are one of the most sustainable fish to source in Cornwall and are absolutely delicious.

Are mussels good for you?

Mussels are rich in the marine Omega-3s, EPA and DHA. If you are trying to lose weight, mussels give you a lot of nutrition without a lot of calories. Prepare the mussels in a way that does not add calories. Try steaming them and adding flavor with no-calorie seasonings.

Why are you not meant to chew oysters?

It's a common misconception that you should swallow an oyster whole. Chewing an oyster is the best way to enjoy the full flavor profile. Savor the oyster and take your time chewing before you swallow.

What is the R rule for seafood?

Foodie tradition dictates only eating wild oysters in months with the letter “r” – from September to April – to avoid watery shellfish, or worse, a nasty bout of food poisoning. Now, a new study suggests people have been following this practice for at least 4,000 years.

Why shouldn't you eat seafood every day?

There are some risks of eating fish every day that you might want to consider. First, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are harmful industrial chemicals that can get into the air and water. Amounts of PCBs, as well as mercury, can then build up in fish.

Can I eat 2 day old seafood?

Raw fish and shellfish should be kept in the refrigerator (40 °F/4.4 °C or less) only 1 or 2 days before cooking or freezing. After cooking, store seafood in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days.

What months can't you fish?

Protecting our freshwater fish species – why the close season is so important. Between March and June every year, many coarse (freshwater) fish will be preparing to spawn (breed and lay eggs), spawning, or recovering from spawning.

Are winkles safe to eat?

Winkles are often boiled and sold as a snack at the seaside. Using a pin to pull them out of their shells, they are eaten with vinegar and white pepper.

Which mussels to throw away?

Ensure the mussel shells are shiny, free of cracks or breakage, and tightly shut. If you have an open mussel or two in the bag, give it a light tap against the counter or squeeze the shell. The shell should close and remain shut. If it opens again, that's a sign it's dead and likely should be discarded.

Why can't you eat dead mussels?

Do not cook or eat shellfish that have died during storage. Gaping shells indicate that the shellfish are dead and not edible. Dead shellfish spoil rapidly and develop off-flavor and off-odors.

What is the best method of cooking mussels?

Steaming is the most common method of cooking mussels. It's a quick and simple way to get a delicious meal on the table. The steam during the cooking process is actually what opens the mussel shell. Do remember that even if a shell doesn't open, it's still good to eat – just prise it open with a knife.

How many mussels per person?

Knowing the proper proportions of mussels to the number of guests you have will ensure a successful event. We suggest 1 to 1¼ pounds per person for a main course or ½ pound per person for an appetizer.

Should I discard mussels that float?

Discard any that float to the top.

What are the benefits of eating mussels?

What to eat with mussels?

Many cultures, chefs, and home cooks simply serve steamed mussels with crusty bread to sop up the juice or sauce, but you can also transform the briny bivalve into more involved dishes, from soup or salad to hearty pasta and more main courses.