Fresh Local Mussels

Do I need to clean the mussels?

Yes. Mussels are sold live and need cleaning. Scrub the shells under cold running water, and just before cooking pull off the stringy beard, if there is one, firmly toward the hinge of the shell.

How do I cook mussels?

Steam them covered in wine, broth or beer for five to seven minutes, until they open. Discard any that stay closed.

How much should I order per person?

Plan on about 1 pound per person as a main, or 1/2 pound as an appetizer.

Are mussels farm-raised?

Mussels are typically raised on ropes or lines in clean coastal waters.

How should I store live shellfish?

Refrigerate them right away, covered with a damp towel. Don't submerge them in water or seal them in an airtight container, because they need to breathe. For best results, cook clams and mussels within 1 to 3 days of delivery, and shuck oysters within a few days. See our Care & Prep guide for details.

How do I know they're alive and safe to eat?

Live shellfish should have closed shells or should close when you tap them. Discard any that stay open after tapping or that have cracked shells. After cooking, discard any clams or mussels that haven't opened.

Is it safe to eat shellfish raw?

Raw shellfish carries a higher risk of foodborne illness. People who are pregnant, older, or who have weakened immune systems or liver conditions should eat shellfish fully cooked.

When will my order ship, and when will it arrive?

We ship Monday through Thursday only, never Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, so your order never sits in a carrier facility over the weekend outside the 48-hour freshness window. Order before 10:00 AM and it ships the same day for overnight delivery. Orders placed after 10:00 AM, or Friday through Sunday, ship the next business day.

How is it shipped?

Overnight only, by FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Ground Overnight depending on your location, since fresh seafood has a strict 48-hour safety window once it leaves our Seattle facility. Continental U.S. orders ship by FedEx Priority Overnight for a $48 flat rate. WA, OR, and ID customers get discounted UPS Ground Overnight rates starting at $10. Full shipping rates by region ->

Do you ship to my address? 

We ship to all 48 continental states, plus Alaska at a flat rate. To honor protected ecosystem regulations, we're unable to deliver fresh oysters, mussels, or clams to Hawaii. We also can't ship to PO boxes, FPO, or APO addresses.

What if my order arrives damaged or spoiled?

If your order arrives spoiled or you received the wrong product, contact us within 14 days of delivery for a refund or reshipment. We're not able to accept returns once an order has shipped, so if there's an issue, reach out right away. Full refunds & returns policy ->

Fresh Local Mussels

Fresh Local Mussels have a mild, briny flavor and tender texture that make them a versatile addition to seafood meals. They're especially well suited for steaming, pasta, cioppino, soups, and seafood stews.

What Do Fresh Mussels Taste Like?

Mussels have a mild, savory flavor with a touch of natural brininess. They readily take on the flavors of the ingredients they're cooked with.

Butter, garlic, white wine, tomatoes, fresh herbs, lemon, and flavorful broths all pair beautifully with mussels.

How to Cook Fresh Mussels

Fresh Mussels are especially well suited for steaming and can also be added to pasta, cioppino, soups, and seafood stews.

Always follow proper handling instructions for live shellfish before cooking.

How Much Should I Order?

Fresh Local Mussels are sold by the pound with a 2-pound minimum order. 

Fresh Mussels from Pure Food Fish Market

Pure Food Fish Market has been serving customers at Seattle's Pike Place Market since 1911. Four generations later, our family continues to prepare seafood with the experience and care of a traditional fish market.

** In compliance with CA Prop 65, Consuming this product can expose you to chemicals including cadmium which are known in the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm** Mussels are exposed to mercury and other natural elements found in seawater