This week Lower V GCSE Food students enjoyed making and trying two different recipes for fresh mussels supplied through the Fish Heroes scheme, which promotes and offers British fresh fish to schools. The Abbey is one of five schools across Berkshire selected to receive the delivery of 10kg of live British mussels grown off the Devon coast.

Mrs Mair and Mr Roper, our new Food and Nutrition Assistant, received the delivery on Wednesday. The group learned about the mussels; how and where they grow, their wonderful nutritional benefits and sustainability as well as how to prepare and clean them, before testing, preparing and then cooking.
Here are 5 mussel facts:

• There is more protein in a portion of mussels than in a fillet steak.
• Mussels are an important part of the marine ecosystem and clean the water of phytoplankton and sediment, each mussel processing 20L of seawater a day.
• Female mussels are orange in colour and males are creamy white.
• Mussels are very good for you, containing vitamins and minerals to maintain a good immune system, healthy eyes and glowing skin as well as Omega 3 fatty acids for good brain function.
• 80% of British mussels are exported. They are sold to France, Spain and Holland as well as further afield. British mussels are highly prized across Europe for their flavour and shells.

The foodies were joined by Lower V team members Miss Venning and Mr Amblin who were happy to enjoy lunch with the students. Every student tried the catch, some were more enthusiastic than others!

Sienna said “they are the best I have ever tasted”, they’re incredible!
Laura said “they have surprised me, they are actually really tasty”
Amira “I really loved the soda bread we made, it is so easy and quick to make and so soft to eat”