The hairy bit inside a mussel.

[mrs.chappie]

Is it safe to eat it?

[shanx]

what !!!!! never ate one , HAIR?

[Ethel]

No. And why should anyone want to?

[mrs.chappie]

Yeah, shanx - it's a little ball of hair inside the mussel.

I always pull it out when I cook mussels, but my OH doesn't bother when he cooks 'em 'cos it's fiddly to remove.

My OH says it doesn't harm you to eat it, but I'm not keen on the idea.

[Ethel]

"mussels will need to be scrubbed with a stiff brush to remove any barnacles, sand or grit and their beard must also be removed. This can be done by giving the beard a forceful tug with your fingers and pulling it away or by cutting it off with a small and sharp knife. "

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks for that, Ethel. I know you should clean them and remove the hairy bit, but what I'd like to know is - does it do you any harm if you eat the hairy bit? (the beard).

[imhotep]

Oooh not sure about the beard.
Ummm,not really sure about eating mussels either!!!!

Off to bed now.
Goodnight all.Night Mrs C!
x

[shanx]

ethel ! that sounds painful , wouldnt know how to attack that myself , with caution , i think .

[ChuckFickens]

does it do you any harm if you eat the hairy bit?

oh pleeeaaaasseeee

you are asking for it ;)

[mrs.chappie]

Night Imo. Sleep well buddy.x

[puddicat]

No the beard isnt poisionous, but should be discarded!!!

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks puddi .... I'm always careful to pull it off, but my OH is not as particular as I am!

Chuck, behave yerself lad ...... this is a serious question ya know! :o)