How are mussels cleaned in the Thermomix?

Post actualizado el día September 28, 2026 by DeiviSanzPlay

The Thermomix is not used to clean the mussels themselves, since the movement of the basket could damage them, but rather to speed up the de-sanding process. The traditional method of cleaning by hand remains essential to guarantee that they are free of beards and impurities.

I recommend you read this interesting article: What we understand by Floral and flowering.

1. Initial selection and manual cleaning:
   • Discard any mussel with a shell that is broken or that remains open when tapped lightly (it is not alive).
   • With a knife, scrape off any possible encrustations.
   • Pull firmly on the “beard” (the fibers coming out of the shell) toward the base of the mussel to tear it off.
2. De-sanding in the Thermomix:
   • Place the mussels, already cleaned of beards, in the Varoma Tray.
   • Fill the <a href="https://www.chusmeando.com/preguntas-y-respuestas/todo-lo-que-necesitas-saber-sobre-el-jug-historia-tipos-y-materiales/” title=”Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el vaso: historia, tipos y materiales”>Thermomix Jug with cold water up to the level of the basket (about 500-1000 ml). The water should touch the base of the basket, but not submerge the mussels.
   • Do not set a speed or time. Simply turn on the machine in Varoma Function for 4-5 minutes. The gentle heat and steam will make the mussels release the sand into the water in the jug.
3. Final rinse:
   • Remove the basket with the mussels and rinse them well under the tap with cold water.
   • Pour out the water from the jug, which will contain the released sand.

Important tip:
This steaming method is an effective complement for removing internal sand. However, the prior manual cleaning (removing the beards and scraping) remains indispensable for a perfect and safe result. Once clean, you can now cook them in the Thermomix with your desired recipe.