Signora Sheila

Although often considered a French dish, Italians love their lumache (snails) just as much! And our village is no exception! In our area of Abruzzo, the little town of Scerni is known as the snail-loving village!

My husband, a snail lover himself, fits in well with these villagers. Who are known in this area as the sciumacchini or ‘snail eaters’! In fact, he looks forward to our town’s snail festivals, those few times a year when he gets to eat his fill of them. 

Snail festivals!

Our snail festivals are a real community time! Most of the village attends, and because nearly everyone knows each other, it’s like a big family dinner!

But did you know that snails are gluten-free, low in fat, carbohydrates and sodium, and high in protein? And they are especially high in iron, B-12, magnesium, and potassium. So you can try them, guilt-free, if you’re brave enough!

Snails are healthy

You’re welcome to come and enjoy this healthy delicacy… along with my husband, that is! Or try fixing them at home! But be forewarned. Snails require a lot of preparation because the snails have to be purged before cooking. And to me eating them is a tedious procedure. You have to pick out those little bits of flesh with toothpicks before you can slurp them down.

I tried some once. I ate two (and only two) from Hubby’s plate, and spent the rest of the night throwing up. So, though they tasted good (going down), I say, “Never again!” Apparently, I have an intolerance, because they don’t seem to bother most people.

So I think I’ll just stick to my favorite regional dish of arrosticini served with homemade french fries! Perhaps not as healthy, but ever so good!

But if you don’t like snails or lamb, you can always choose something else. Like pasta fagioli (pasta and beans) or a sausage or pancetta sandwich! But whatever you choose I guarantee it will be good!

But don’t forget to bring your snail money first! It’s the only acceptable currency accepted at all the local festivals, here in the snail-loving village!

Have you ever eaten snails? Would you like to try them?

📷 Images are mine