Mussels Exploration- Southern Sonoma!

Mussels web over rocky outcrops in splotchy patterns by using threads called byssus and secreting a sort of superglue; these bivalves dominate the upper part of intertidal zones as starfish will eat them in the lower parts. Their threads and glue, not to mention crashing waves, can make it difficult to remove them from the rocks, but they are plentiful along the coast, and delicious. They are an important part of the intertidal ecosystem, so we'll talk about ethics around foraging them, and why the season ends in May.

In this workshop you'll learn how to remove them with your hands - tools are not allowed. And how to clean the "beards" or byssus from them. The work is well worth it! These will be the most delicious mussels you'll ever eat. We'll then cook them over a live fire to enjoy with warm bread.

For this workshop, you'll need…