How to Prepare Peppered Snails

Snail meat a.k.a Congo meat as it's popularly known in Nigeria is a popular delicacy most people enjoy.Once cleaned & prepared, it can be added to Soups, Stews or even sauces. Another good way to enjoy this delicacy is by simmering the snails in peppered sauce and eating alone as an appetizer. Peppered snails would definitely get you taste buds watered.  When cooking snails, it’s best not to overcook it so it doesn't get too soft thereby losing that crunchy feel which is the best part. The average snail contains 80% water, 15% protein and 2.4% fat. It also contains essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, selenium; and magnesium. It’s also rich in many essential vitamins such as Vitamins A, E, K and B12 just mention a few. Snail meat can be used as an alternative to Beef and chicken.  

Health Benefits of The Snail #TheSnailShop

If it’s good enough for the French, it’s good enough for us. A theory which worked with croissants, fries and garlic, and now, it seems, snails, which are busy crawling their way onto a plate near you.

But if you’re one of the many diners who baulk at the idea of downing a plate of garden pests, think again.

For snails have come out of their shells and are basking in the glory of being the new star superfood.

In fact, they’re so good, they’ve been introduced to the menu at high street favourite Café Rouge, with highlights like Ragout D’Escargots, a dish of snails and mushrooms in a rich sauce with truffle oil and a pastry top, on offer.

“Café Rouge is providing diners with a chance to be adventurous and tap into the growing snail trend without having to venture too far from home,” says ‘snail sommelier’, Helen Howard, who breeds her own award-winning snails.

“I really hope more Brits will give snails a go because they are a fantastic and delicious food with some serious superfood credentials!”

And here are six reasons why snails should be blazing a trail to your plate.