It's mussel week again. The week to make Zeeland mussels known and loved among a wider audience, now that the mussel season has started again. The Zeeland mussel is a purely natural product and therefore a responsible choice. They are quick and easy to prepare and the variations are endless. And eating mussels is above all an experience, enjoying this salty bliss together. That is why we have listed the facts and figures about mussels here.
● The Dutch eat mussels on average two to three times per mussel season. Belgians easily eat mussels about six times per mussel season.
● 66% of the Dutch have ever eaten mussels. The majority of the harvest goes to Belgium, where everyone eats mussels, about 87%.
● Two thirds of the Dutch have ever eaten mussels. Mussels are therefore the most popular shellfish in the Netherlands.
● 70% of mussel eaters enjoy a pan of mussels at the weekend. Only 37% eat mussels during the week.
● The Dutch mainly eat mussels on weekends and on special occasions. Belgians eat mussels almost as often during the week as during the weekend.
● When eating mussels, the surveyed respondents think very strongly of the mussel pan, while a great deal of variation in recipes and dishes is possible.
● By the way:the delicious taste is the most important reason to eat mussels (70%). This is followed by the conviviality and atmosphere of eating mussels together. It is also often mentioned that mussels are nutritious.
● 50% of Dutch consumers opt for the classic mussel pan with vegetables and fries or bread. The variety of dishes is more than welcome.
● Restaurants are more innovative than consumers at home in preparing mussels. You will often see soups, pasta dishes and variations with Asian ingredients on the menu.