Since there's a thread about mussels, I would like to tumpang tanya.

Mussels are those clams with the green shell, right? If not, than what are those called?

I have to ask...what's with that green? Is it even natural? Because I've noticed that the green layer can be peeled off. I kid you not. I thought it looked plasticky so I scraped away at it and was really surprised to see it peel off with a little bit of effort. That skin is tough enough to not get damaged or even flake off after after being boiled in steamboat. , but it can be peeled off. Once you peel it off, you'll notice the actual shell is quite dull in color underneath but looks more natural.

Is that layer natural? It doesn't seem to be. I just haven't tried burning it. I should have. It would confirmed my suspicion that it was plastic from how it burns but I didn't have a lighter or any source of fire.

What's disturbing is that I see it not only in cheap steamboats but I have also seen this in fancier more expensive restaurants.

I have avoided eating those green shelled things ever since.