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Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥280kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾8gCarbs
🥑11gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️250 gServing

* Per serving · 250 g. May vary.

Allergens

🦐 Shellfish

New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels

How to order / say it
Say it Kuku — [koo-koo]
Order I'd like the green-lipped mussels, please.
Locally I'd like the kuku, please.
Say locally

Large mussels known for their distinctive green shells and rich flavor.

Why try it?

Kuku are a vital part of traditional Māori cuisine, symbolizing the connection to ocean resources and sustainable food practices in New Zealand.

How it tastes

These mussels have a mild, sweet taste and a chewy texture, often served steamed with aromatic herbs or in a flavorful broth.

Origin & History — first documented: 1975

Used by Māori and later European settlers, these mussels became popular in the late 20th century, recognized for their size and flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🦐 500 g mussels
  • 🧄 2 cloves garlic
  • 🍷 100 ml white wine
  • 🌿 20 g parsley
  • 🥛 50 g butter
  • 🍋 1 lemon

Method

  1. 1 Clean mussels thoroughly.
  2. 2 Sauté garlic in butter and add mussels.
  3. 3 Add white wine and steam until mussels open.
  4. 4 Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
All Oceania recipes — New Zealand — Auckland — New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels
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