Seafood
How long do live mussels last in the fridge?
Live mussels, clams, and crab keep 1–2 days in the fridge — they’re still breathing, so store them cold in an open bowl and cook them the same day if you can.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–2 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 2–3 months |
Can it sit out?
Live mussels is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if live mussels has gone bad
- Shells gaping open that won’t close when tapped
- A cracked or crushed shell
- A crab that has stopped moving
- A sulfurous smell instead of clean brine
When in doubt, throw it out.
Scrub and debeard mussels right before they go in the pot, not ahead of time — pulling the beard kills them.
Quick answers
How long do live mussels last in the fridge?
Live mussels, clams, and crab keep 1–2 days in the fridge — they’re still breathing, so store them cold in an open bowl and cook them the same day if you can.
Can you freeze live mussels?
USDA’s freezer window for live mussels is 2–3 months.
How long can live mussels sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to live mussels. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).