Snails are seen as a delicacy in some places and are widely eaten. Nevertheless, the culture and practice of eating snails varies around the world, so we will explore various aspects of snails as food, including their origins, cooking methods, types of consumption, and some cultural and health considerations.
The origin and history of the snail
The history of snails as food dates back to ancient Roman and Greek times, when people began to taste this mollusk. During the Roman Empire, snails were even considered a luxury food, often appearing at noble banquets. Snails have always been a cherished delicacy in some European countries, especially France, such as the French "Snail French" is a famous snail dish.
Edible species of snails
There are many types of snails, but not all snails are suitable for consumption. Some common edible snail varieties include:
Field snail: This snail is the main source of French snail dishes and is often referred to as the "French snail".
Veal snail: Also known as the "vineyard snail", it is also a common edible snail.
Field snail: This snail is also widely eaten in some parts of Europe.
How to cook snails
Snails usually go through a series of preparation steps before they can be eaten. Here are some common ways to cook snails:
Roasted snails: Snails are usually stripped out of their shells and roasted with seasonings such as butter, garlic, and vanilla.
Steamed snails with garlic: This is a traditional French snail practice in which snails are steamed with garlic, butter, white wine and herbs.
Fried snails: Sometimes snails are also breaded and fried to make crispy snails.
The place of snails in different cultures
Although snails are considered a delicacy in places like Europe, in other cultures they may be considered inedible or taboo. For example, in cultures with high Hindu and hygiene concepts, snails are usually not eaten.
Health considerations for snails
Snails are a low-fat, high-protein food rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. They are also rich in collagen, which is beneficial for skin and joint health. However, the key to snail food safety is to ensure that they are properly processed and cooked to kill potential parasites or germs. Therefore, when consuming snails, it is important to make sure to buy from a trusted supplier, or to take proper hygiene measures at home.
Overall, snails are a food with a rich history and diverse cultural implications. They are eaten in a variety of ways and varies, but under the right conditions, snails can be enjoyed as a delicious and nutritious food. However, the acceptance of snails as food varies across regions and cultures, so it's a good idea to understand the local culture and health risks before trying to eat snails.