Flinders Mussels among Victorian winners at 2021 Delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards
A Flinders mussel farmer with an uncanny name is just one of the Victorian winners in the 2021 Delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards.
Food
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Harry Mussel is an uncanny name for a mollusc farmer.
The Mornington Peninsula local earned the nickname after learning two other Harrys at his boardriders club were already called ‘Big Harry’ and ‘Little Harry’.
“Harry Mussel isn’t my real name but it’s what stuck over the years,” he said.
Farming quality produce at his Flinders Mussels business has also stood the test of time — and today (Tuesday) has been named a Victorian winner at the 2021 Delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards.
While honoured to receive the award, self-promotion isn’t Mr Mussel’s strong suit.
“I was nominated by Phil Wood, formerly (culinary director) of Pt Leo Estate,” he said.
“Awards are not something I go after or usually have the time to do.
“Having done this for so long, I feel like the quality of the product is good and now I’m receiving accolades, that speaks volumes.”
Mr Mussel bought an undeveloped mussel farm in Western Port Bay in 1999, and over the years has turned it into a trusted business which supplies blue mussels to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants including Pt Leo Estate and 10 Minutes by Tractor.
Mussel farming isn’t a career for everyone — with the season running from December to midwinter and largely weather dependent.
Portarlington mussels are the most well-known, but Mr Mussel said there was a difference to bay and ocean-farmed molluscs.
“The growing environment gives them a different colour and taste and the oceanic conditions have a lot to do with the way mine taste,” he said.
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