Galicia, in Spain’s northwest corner, is known for its wild coastlines, clean waters, and deep-rooted seafood traditions. Among its many culinary treasures, Galician mussels (or mejillones) stand out for their plump texture, oceanic flavor, and rich history.
In the region of Rías Baixas, the nutrient-rich estuaries create the perfect environment for cultivating mussels. But what sets these mussels apart isn’t just where they come from--it’s how they’re harvested, prepared, and preserved.
The harvest begins at sea. Mussels in Galicia grow on large floating rafts called bateas, suspended in the cold Atlantic waters. When it’s time to harvest, local crews set out early, navigating the estuaries to pull up the ropes heavy with mussels.
We had the chance to join one of these boats—a small, family-run operation—and see firsthand how much care goes into every step. From the salty air to the rhythm of the workers cleaning and sorting mussels on board, the process is a mix of grit and grace.
Each mussel is hand-selected for freshness and size before heading to shore, where the next stage of their journey begins.
La Curiosa is a small, independent cannery based in Galicia that’s earned a reputation for doing things differently. Founded by a team of locals passionate about quality and heritage, they work exclusively with seafood sourced from the Galician coast -- including mussels from the very waters we visited.
Their production is entirely artisanal. Once the mussels arrive at the cannery, they’re cleaned, steamed open, and hand-packed one by one into tins. La Curiosa is known for combining the finest local ingredients with creative marinades—like pickled sauces with paprika or escabeche made from olive oil, vinegar, and spices.
The result is a product that’s beautiful both inside and out: intensely flavorful, gorgeously packaged, and proudly Galician.
Tinned mussels are one of the easiest ways to bring a taste of the sea to your table—no cooking required. Here are a few favorite ways to enjoy them:
Whether for a tapas hour or a simple lunch, these mussels are a brilliant and tasty snack to incorporate into whatever meal time you're excited about. They also perfectly capture the flavors of Galicia.
