The Costco in Pentagon , Va has mussels that has beards removed. . I usually use it within 24 hours refrigerating them under a damp towel. 30 minutes before cooking them, I place them in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes after briefly brushing them , add a tablespoon of cornstarch and cook them. There will be a little grit at the bottom of the bowl.
I have never seen any grits in the mussel broth. The murky color is normal I think. We have never had any broth left over when I serve mussels. I have a cheap 14" shallow non stick pan purchased from Costco around 10-15 years ago, which I use exclusively to cook mussels or larger amount of little neck clams ( unless I cook them in a cataplana pan ) as I can see the clams or mussels open up ,pick them up as they open, and when they are all opened, I would increase the temp of the broth , add blue cheese and spinach , pour the clams back in and serve from the pan. .This makes a very tender delicious clam and clam broth.
Friends who partake of this meal enjoys watching the clams open up ( takes a few minutes ) .
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