Though often thought of as a French dish, Italians equally love their lumache! And our village is no exception! In our area of Abruzzo, the little town of Scerni is known as the snail-loving village!
A lover of snails himself, my husband fits in well with these villagers. Who, in this area are known 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 turn out. Like a big family dinner, because nearly everyone knows each other.
But did you know that snails are gluten free, low in fat and carbohydrates, yet high in protein? And especially high in iron, B-12, and magnesium. Along with healthy levels of potassium and sodium. 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 take a lot of preparation. And to me they also seem difficult to eat. They have to pick out those little bits of meat with toothpicks before slurping them down.
I tried some once. Ate two (and only two) from Hubby’s plate, and spent the rest of the night throwing up. So, though they were delicious (going down) I say, “Never again!!” But most people I know eat them with no problems. Apparently, I have an intolerance.
So I think I’ll just stick to my favorite regional dish: arrosticini served with homemade french fries! Perhaps not as healthy, but ever so good!
But if you don’t like snails or lamb, you could always choose something else. Like pasta fagioli (pasta and beans) or a sausage or pancetta sandwich! But whatever food you choose I guarantee it will be good!
Just don’t forget to bring your snail money first! It’s the only acceptable currency at the feasts, here in the snail-loving village!
Have you ever had snails? Would you like to try them?
Images ©Signora Sheila.
Signora Sheila 
The whole idea of eating something so slimy where there’s so little meat and so much work–and hearing that you puked after eating them–makes this a no-brainer. I can eat lamb–just not the little crawly things. I appreciate your gutsiness in trying them!
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Actually, Dayle, they weren’t slimy after cooking. And they didn’t taste bad. I think my system just didn’t like them, but Hubby loves them!!
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Sorry, snails are great especially when they are baked in garlic oil and covered with cheese.
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I do agree with you Geri. They ones I ate were good. They just didn’t agree with me!!
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I don’t know, Dayle, a lot of people I know here love them and have no problem with them. And I do have a rather weak stomach in that regard. But you’re right community is what it’s all about. I hope that this lockdown and social distancing will make people realize how important it is, and perhaps when it’s over, people will get back to making time for others and real connections. We can surely hope so!
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No and No thank you, I’ll pass.
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Ha, I think you’ll be in the majority!! But I’m sure you’d enjoy our little town anyway!!
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