At Kickin’Inn, seafood isn’t just a meal—it’s a hands-on experience 👐. We love bringing Australians the freshest seafood possible, but we know there’s always a lingering question: how can you really tell if clams and mussels are fresh? Let’s dive into our best tips to keep you safe, satisfied, and savouring every seafood boil you tuck into.
Look at the Shells First 🐚👀
The first giveaway for freshness is the shell. Good, fresh clams and mussels will have shells that are tightly closed or slightly open. A gentle tap should make any slightly open shells snap shut. If they’re hanging open and won’t close, it’s a clear sign they’re past their best. We’ve seen plenty of seafood boils, and trust us, this little trick is a lifesaver.
Also, keep an eye out for cracked or damaged shells—these are also signs to steer clear. Fresh mussels should have shells intact and feel sturdy. Take a look at this quick seafood harvesting guide for more tips.
Trust Your Nose 👃🦞
Fresh mussels and clams should smell clean and slightly briny, like the ocean 🌊. If they give off a strong, unpleasant, fishy odour, they’re definitely not fresh. A faint sea breeze aroma? Perfectly normal. Anything more intense is your sign to avoid.
Check Out the Appearance 👨🍳✨
When you open a mussel or clam, the meat should be moist, plump, and firm. Fresh mussel meat is usually cream-coloured, beige, or orange. If the meat looks shrivelled, dry, or dull, skip it. At Kickin’Inn, we’re strict about seafood quality, so each mixed bag you order is carefully checked for freshness, colour, and texture.
Freshness in Your Hands 🙌🎣
Fresh seafood will feel cold and slightly damp, but never slimy or excessively wet. Mussels, in particular, have a tendency to become slimy if they’re going off. The shells should also feel relatively heavy, indicating that they’re full of seawater and delicious mussel meat.
If you want to double-check your seafood at home, check out Sydney Fish Market’s seafood handling guide for detailed steps.
The Floating Test 🚣♀️🐟
Here’s a handy trick from our kitchen: place mussels or clams in a bowl of cold water. Fresh ones usually sink, while dead or dying shellfish float. This test isn’t foolproof, but it’s a handy extra check when you’re unsure.
Cooking Them Properly 🔥🍽️
Even if your shellfish passes all the freshness tests, proper cooking is essential. Mussels and clams open when cooked properly. Any shells that remain closed after cooking? Discard them—better safe than sorry. We always make sure each seafood cocktail and boil you enjoy is cooked to perfection. Want a taste? Check out our delicious seafood cocktail.
Buying Fresh Seafood 🛒🦐
Buying seafood from reputable sources makes freshness worries disappear. At Kickin’Inn, our seafood comes fresh from trusted Australian suppliers, ensuring each boil, mixed bag, and seafood cocktail is top-notch. Choosing quality suppliers is the easiest way to guarantee freshness and flavour every single time. Want to learn more? Read about the benefits of eating seafood to get inspired.
Reddit’s Best Tip, Directly from Our Team 💡🐡
One underrated tip we’ve found useful is storing mussels and clams properly as soon as you get home. Keep them refrigerated and loosely covered with a damp cloth. Never seal them airtight in plastic; they need to breathe! Proper storage maintains freshness much longer than you’d think. 😉
Still Unsure? Let Us Handle It! 💁♂️🍤
We get it. Sometimes, it’s tricky to tell freshness at home. If you’re ever unsure or just want a break from kitchen duty, make a booking at Kickin’Inn. We’ll take care of everything, ensuring every seafood bite is fresh, flavourful, and fuss-free.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to chat seafood! 🎉🦑
Think you have what it takes to work at Kickin'Inn?
Fill out an expression of interest form here. We strive to respond to all applicants as promptly as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!
