Although almost all of the (abundantly available) green-lipped mussels we eat in New Zealand are farmed, it is not unusual to see rocks in the inter-tidal zone of many beaches covered with densely packed rows of tiny juvenile mussels. A couple of days ago at Langs Beach though, was the first time I’d seen any grow large enough to take on the distinctive green colouration of the shell from which the derive their name.
I’m not sure why the wild mussels around Auckland don’t seem to grow to maturity; pollution perhaps? Or environmental damage to their ecosystems from so many other beach users.
I hope the Northland mussels have a better chance.
This is the seashore. Neither land nor sea. It’s a place that does not exist.
Alessandro Baricco
Written for Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge at Lens and Pens by Sally
The wild mussels are so beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful. I’ve never heard of green-lipped mussels before! (Never even realized mussels came in different varieties, before.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
They seem to be THE local variety. They are huge by European standards, but very tasty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful—never saw green mussels before!
LikeLike
Beautiful images from the imaginary quarter 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tish. I loved that description 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely small gems of the sea, and it’s sad that they are not growing to maturity. Still, you’ve brought out their jewel-like patina. Happy Photo Challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sally. I was so pleased to see that some wild mussels seem to be thriving amidst all the “development” and “progress” of NZ’s “rock star economy” (hand me the sick bag).
LikeLike
Pingback: Sally D’s Mobile Photography Challenge: Macro (Photomontage) | Lens and Pens by Sally
What a lovely colour of green, Su.
Leslie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it. The shells really stood out against the dark kelp and the rocks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet they did….they are very pretty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that quote. The seashore is one of my favorite places. I could stay there forever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine too. I don’t spend enough time at the beach, but whenever I do I remember how much I like it. (sigh, goldfish brain!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful pictures, Su! I like mussels, they always make for a quick and tasty meal. And that quote is perfect ! 😄 xxxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah. I love mussels too; especially in a thai style coconut broth. As you say so quick to prepare and totally yummy. They are also very cheap here, which adds to their attractiveness.
LikeLiked by 1 person