Edible Snails

Edible Snails:

People in Manipur are very fond of snails. It is cooked in most homes before Cheiraoba i.e. the New Year of Manipuris which is held in the month of April.  Some of the most common snails we consume today are Grapevine Snail, Apple Snail, Turban Snail etc. 

Snails are vegetarian creatures although they have a cannibalistic tendency. They are nutritious and have a hefty dose of protein, iron potassium and phosphorus. It has fewer amounts of carbohydrates and fat. The typical snail is comprised of 80% water, 15% protein, and 2.4% of fat which is primarily healthy fat. Essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, selenium, and magnesium are also found in snails. They are a rich source of vitamins E, A, K and B12.

They have also been found to contain a valuable lectin which has anti-cancer properties. This snail lectin can assist the immune system in fighting cancerous cells.

Snail secretions contain a copper peptide which is a natural source of a substance usually manufactured to assist in making creams which help to minimize scarring. The BioSkin Cream Company markets a number of creams which contain snail mucin and are excellent for the skin. The snail mucin is collected without harming the snails.

The preferred method of purifying snails is to put them live into a receptacle with a lid, to prevent them climbing out.  Throw in some lettuce leaves for the snails to feed on before they are cooked.

           A 100 gm serving gives:

            90 calories

            3.5 mg of Iron (more than beef)

           382 mg of potassium

            250 mg of magnesium.