Step 1:
Place the mussels in a sink of cold water.
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/OUN2O2EGJESFTE3E5PDXZOUQ6Q.jpg?auth=375d54c8a8d16c685cc167bcbfaa22f173d0ff409ceaa7a3b6c651b936cadb96&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Step 2:
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Scrub with a stiff brush or scrape with the backof a kitchen knife to remove barnacles.
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GEGU4NVD2FM7JWK6G6QEJW222A.jpg?auth=b8b5586175118359e27d0f49cf7d10218e63a147ff9b0850e3d00dfaf180b037&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2WQKQ2GZUV6RME52O65N7TDFCY.jpg?auth=910316e03eea176e668fdb34f8be35feb1cc53e495fe8b5dc9adaaa57a6af47a&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Step 3:
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Grasp the beard — the fibrous clump — and pull out swiftly towards the hinge end.
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/SX2K3D25N7O324ZJ3VMWGR42WU.jpg?auth=fe70ea5d0f3a676ca216a3c72e1c897be7f4f7d15b49d80fae07f0b35c508e18&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Step 4:
Rinse and place in a bowl ready to cook.
Make it now
Try Celia Hay's recipe for Moules mariniere.