| OCTOPUS | SHRIMP | SQUID |
| SHELLFISH | FIN FISH | FILLETS/LOINS |
| SPECIALTY ITEMS |
'SANFORD' NEW ZEALAND GREENLIP MUSSELS: HALF SHELLS
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New Zealand Greenlip Mussels are Perna canaliculous.
Seasons in New Zealand can be almost all year round. Production can be limited due to weather in New Zealand’s winter months (June through September), spawning periods or periods for occasional government closures for water conditions.
Greenlip mussels are most commonly sold in the U. S. market on the half shell. These are blanched to remove one side of the shell. IQF mussel meat is also available. Most of this is sold as #1 product, but there is also a #2 pack available.
Sizing of half shell mussels will typically run 11-14 count/lb on large, 14-16 ct/lb on medium and 16-19 count/lb on small. Estimated shell length is 4 to 5 inches on large, 3-5 to 4 inches on medium and 3 to 3.5 inches on smalls. Especially with smaller packers there is a great deal of variation on sizing. Often cheaper packers will pack a combination of small and medium and sell them as mediums.
Sizing of mussel meat is roughly 18-23 ct/lb on large, 23-32 ct/lb on medium and 32-45 ct/lb on small.
Half shell mussels are commonly IQF and in a clear plastic bag inside a full color printed carton. The most common pack is 12/2 lb cartons per master case.
Mussel meat is normally packed IQF in a 1 kg clear plastic bag and packed 10/1 kg bags per master case.
Half shell mussels are extremely colorful. The meat color is either bright orange (female) or a rich creamy color (male). The shell is a combination of green and yellow. The Greenlip is larger than blue and black species from other production areas. Half shells have become a very popular item for seafood buffets. They add color and are a bit exotic. Yet pricing per pound is very reasonable in comparison to other seafood products.
Mussel meat can be used in stir-fry,
as a topping or in sauces on pasta or as an ingredient for bouillabaisse
or stews.