The Cook’s Kitchen

Sometimes it’s good to go back to basics.  It’s perfect for those beginning in the kitchen, and serves as a refresher for the rest of us.

How to Buy Shellfish
If you’re buying lobsters, crabs, whole clams, oysters or mussels, they have to be alive.  Lobsters and crabs should be moving around.  If they’re not, you don’t want them.

As for mussels, clams and oysters, their muscles should make it difficult for you to pry open the shell.  If scallops and oysters and already shucked and cleaned, try to smell them if possible.  You’ll know if they’re bad.

Photo from Morguefile/Electric