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...
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