How to Debeard Mussels (4 Steps)

Mussels don't have the muscles to attach themselves to marine surfaces, but they have strands of fibers to do it for them, called byssal threads. Byssal threads -- referred to as beards for their hair-like appearance -- don't look like much, but they're tough enough to withstand violent, crashing waves and strong currents without releasing their grip. They're also inedible, and you should remove them from the mussels before cooking. Mussels you get in the market are farmed, so their beards are weaker than those of wild specimens. You don't need the strength of the sea to remove beards, just a simple tugging technique.

Things You'll Need

Stiff-bristled brush

Instructions

Scrub the mussels under cool-running water using a stiff-bristled brush. Scrub off any threads -- these are made of same tissue that composes the beard -- clinging to the shells.
Look in the seam between the shell halves on each mussel; this is where you find the mussel's beard.
Hold the mussel in a towel so it won't slip away. Grasp the the beard between your thumb and forefinger. You usually find a tab-like portion of the beard large enough to grasp at the wide end of the shell.
Work the portion of beard back and forth until it loosens from the shell. Pull the beard firmly from the shell. Use scissors to cut away any beards you can't pull off by hand.

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