Mussels commonly grow on the rocks and seabed of many Scottish lochs, feeding on natural plankton. Breeding takes place in the spring and early summer, resulting in millions of tiny mussel spat drifting in the currents.

Farming relies on the collection of this spat, which attach themselves to ropes suspended in the sea beneath rafts or longlines. They are then grown on the ropes for two to three years. This methods of production means shells never touch the seabed, guaranteeing grit-free meats.

When the mussels are ready to harvest, they are stripped from their ropes, washed, graded and sent by chilled transport to SSMG's headquarters for quality control checks and final packing.

With their fine shells and plump, juicy meats, SSMG's rope grown mussels make an attractive dish. They are particularly easy to prepare and cook in minutes.

Mussels are available live in-shell and as ready meals in a choice of sauces.

The Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group Ltd has developed a range of cooked, ready-to-reheat products using only the finest quality rope-grown mussels grown in the pure, clear waters of the West Coast of Scotland.

Cooked in their own juices with a garlic butter sauce, mussels make the ideal convenient and nutritious meal, cooked in minutes.