If you ask any grandmother when to eat mussels, the answer will be categorical: only in the months without the "R". Many extend this rule to all seafood, but is it really so? In part, yes, but let's try to understand if it is a tradition with a scientific basis or if it is just a legend.
Why Mussels Should Not Be Eaten in the Months with an "R"
This belief is widespread in Italian coastal resorts, but it does not fail to cause confusion. A quick search online is enough to find conflicting opinions. This means that, even within the same popular tradition, there are different versions. But is it true that mussels should only be eaten in the months without the "R"? The answer is yes. The mussels reach their highest quality in the summer months, from May to August, which are the periods without "R".
Mussel Reproduction and Product Quality
During autumn and winter, mussels breed. This process, which is quite challenging for mussels, changes their internal composition, affecting the quality of the meat. When a mollusk is in the breeding phase, its energy resources are focused on reproduction, and this makes it less valuable. Seafood meats (including fish) tend to be less tasty and more "stressed" during this time.
In winter, if we find fresh mussels, they are most likely imported and come from seas with characteristics and temperatures different from those of the Mediterranean, such as the oceans. These mussels may not have the same flavor and quality as those we can enjoy during the summer season, when they are at their freshest.
When to eat clams
Clams, like many other seafood, are freshest and tastiest during the months that don't contain the "r" in the name, which is May to August. During this time, clams are at their peak of the season and the risk of bacterial contamination is lower, as the sea waters are warmer. Avoiding the months of September to April is generally recommended to ensure a safer and tastier product. However, it is always important to verify the origin of the clams to ensure their freshness and safety.
