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Category: Mussels

Published on Leave a comment on Trader Joe’s Lightly Smoked Mussels

Officially described as Trader Joe's Lightly Smoked Mussels in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I continue to have a bone to pick over "in olive oil". These are clearly not packed in olive oil. There may be some in there, and according to the box, it's the second ingredient on the list. But it should really say "with olive oil". This is not the first can of mussels I've seen make this dubious claim. I drank some of the liquid from the can (okay, so all of the liquid) to assess the flavor. And it was clear I wasn't drinking oil. Anyway, moving on...

Trader Joe's Lightly Smoked Mussels can
Trader Joe's Lightly Smoked Mussels open can
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.5/5.

These are nice looking, and the can is packed reasonably full. The taste was of a really good, sweet shellfish and just the right amount of chew. Didn't really get much in the way of smoke, though.

I think I'm going to make a frutti di mare pasta with a tin of these, can juices and all. It should go well with some fresh shrimp I have on hand. At a little over $2 each, I just might use two cans.

Brand: Trader Joe's
Description: Lightly Smoked Mussels
Species: Mussels
Country of Origin: Chile
Source: FAO87, Southeast Pacific
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.02 oz.
Price Range: $2-3

Published on Leave a comment on Cole’s Smoked Mussels in EVOO

Taking a break from the quest for the ultimate sardines with lemon. Here's some Cole's Smoked Mussels in EVOO. The can I opened says, I swear, "in extra virgin olive oil". But no photo I can find online, even at their website says that, only "in olive oil". No matter, I'll buy another can tomorrow and photograph it myself.

Cole's Smoked Mussels in EVOO
Cole's Smoked Mussels in EVOO
Initial impression upon opening the can: 3.5/5.

A kind of monochromatic look to the meat. No variegated coloration like some brands. Perhaps it's a difference in species. The aroma is about what you'd expect, that of shellfish and the sea. The texture is meaty, not mealy like smoked oyster can be.

But look at the actual photo I took of the just-opened can (click to enlarge). I left the glare of the flash so you can see the droplets of oil on the surface of the packing liquid. Oil doesn't form droplets on the surface of itself. I really wonder what is the legal definition of "in oil" for tinned fish products.

Anyway, (lack of) olive oil aside, these were still tasty. Roughly, I estimate there were 18-20 in the can, most whole with only a few ragged bits. True hardwood smoked, not just added smoke flavoring. Paired with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, the mineral notes of each complimented the other nicely. The wine's bright acidity a contrast to the savory.

Brand: Cole's Seafood
Description: Smoked Mussels in EVOO
Species:
Country of Origin: Chile
Source: Farm raised
Skin/Bones: N/A
Net Wt: 4.0 oz.
Price Range: $3-4