THE MAIN SPECIES WHICH CAN BE EASILY MARKETED

Two primary species have been chosen from the wide range of edible snails.In the last few years they have been thoroughly controlled and selected.The above mentioned species have been subjected to numerous proofs of adaptability to fencing.

1. HELIX ASPERSED

Also called Shagreen (pebbled) or Maruzza. In France it is called either Petit-gris or Chagriné, in Spain it is known as Caracolas. Perhaps it is the most popular snail in the Mediterranean zone as it is acclimatized to warm climates influenced by the sea. This snail has got a cone shaped shell which is quite convex at the top and obliquely expanded at the base with three or four rings. Nowadays this species represents more than 80% of the breeding of edible snails in Italy. It was chosen above all for its quick growth which is to be considered complete after a year’s nourishment. Another important characteristic attributed to this snail is its strong reproductiveness (almost 120 eggs a year after two breedings). It is to be considered (the most important in commercial terms) the most saleable species that sells best.

2. HELIX POMATIA

Also named “White Vinedresser”. In France it is known by the name of Gros-blanc or Escargot de Bourgogne, as it is the typical snail of that region. We can only find it in areas which are not subject to the influence of windy seas. Its acclimatization is the result of numerous morphological changes. Owing to these modifications we have a great variety of this kind of snail all over Northern and Eastern Europe. The “Helix Pomatia” which once was greatly used in breeding, nowadays has become less important because its growth takes longer. Anyway its meat is by far the most delicious.

 

3. HELIX VERMICULATA (eobania)

It is a typical snail for all mediterranean shores and for islands, has a depress shell (diameter 2,8 - 3,5) with colors and tapes brown, very obvious. It is present on all italian markets for all year long, but all products come only from natural pickling, most of them arriving from Greece or from Marocco. There are not known farmers for this specie as the market price is very high, as we need around 250 subjects to do a full kilo of fesh. The only picking up, inside a plant, if can be done, will give so high costs as two or three times respect other species with a bigger size.