Tapping into that trend, the Mussel Industry Council of North America (MIC) is introducing a "Date Night e-Vite" tool on its Web site discovermussels.com so aspiring romantics can invite that special someone out, and provide the sweet (or saucy) details about the kind of date they would like it to be.
“Mussels are the perfect food for adding a little romance to your life. We’ve introduced some fun tools and contests to celebrate the aphrodisiac effects of fresh mussels,” said Linda Duncan, executive director of the Mussel Industry Council. “Not only are they delicious and easy to cook, they’re also fun to share and eat together. So dig in, discover a new favorite dish for two and enjoy the romantic side of mussels.”
There’s a reason for the aphrodisiac effect mussels deliver. American and Italian researchers claim mussels contain compounds that prompt the body to release hormones connected with physical attraction. Mussels are rich in zinc, a mineral known to keep feelings of love alive. They’re easy to prepare – just steam them for five to seven minutes -- and they’re fun to eat – especially when someone else feeds them to you.
“Mussels make for a wonderful meal and can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit all tastes. They’re perfect for a dinner for two because they’re elegant and easy to prepare, not to mention light and healthy,” said Duncan.
Fresh blue cultured mussels are not only tasty, they’re a healthy seafood choice. They provide a full day’s serving of omega-3s, and contain high levels of zinc, iodine, vitamins B and C and iron. In fact, they have three times the absorbable iron as a comparable serving of beef.
Mussels are also very low in fat -- 2.2 grams fat per 100 grams of mussel meat -- sodium and carbohydrates. An average serving of mussels is about 90 calories.
"Fresh mussels are like a miracle food,” said Terry Ennis, president of the Mussel Industry Council. “They’ve got all the right vitamins and minerals. When paired with other low fat options, mussels make a wonderful, healthy, nutritious and filling meal.”
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