TJ's New Product

Trader Joe's has a new product on its shelves in LA—whole shelled mussels from Maine.

Being someone who enjoys a good bucket of steamed mussels, I was a bit curious about these canned ones. So, I bought a can and sautéed them in a little olive oil with sliced garlic, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil for dinner one night last week.

Verdict: Obviously not as good as fresh from the fishmonger, but as a can product it wasn't bad. It's convenient—open and invert over a pan or pot. I couldn't detect the tinny taste that lingers in many canned seafood products—strong flavors like garlic and basil in the dish also help, I think. If you want a quick and easy way to add mussels to a soup or sauce, it’s an option.