Traditionally, the Portuguese have been eating snails for a long time. Whether at home or at a local restaurant, this dish is very popular in the country and can be prepared in different ways, depending on the Portuguese region. However, there is a thing that it is common everywhere, the snail must be accompanied with a very cold beer, but only when 18 years old, or older.

Eventually, those walking the streets have seen the signs “Há Caracóis” in some restaurants, cafés, and traditional tascas. Probably they are also filled with people with tiny toothpicks trying to get the boiled snail out of the shell, while eating with toasted bread with butter, and, of course, an imperial – or fino, if in North Portugal.

It will be more common now to see people in the countryside, trying to catch the best snails, whether to sell or eat at home. At home, people will know how to care for them so they grow tastier. Usually, people put the snails in a box with almond tree sticks and potato peels, to make sure to clean all the dirt from the outside.

The recipe may vary

The recipes may vary by region. For example, in the South, snails are boiled in water with only salt, garlic, and oregano. While up North, it is common to have them boiled with chouriço, and sometimes spicy sauce too.

Even though it is common to serve snails with toasted bread, some people prefer boiled potatoes with snails, showing how diverse Portugal can be when it comes to gastronomic variety.

Types of snails

There are caracóis, the smallest ones, and caracoletas, the big and brownish ones. The cooking procedures are basically the same, but the texture and size are different. While caracóis are small and the shells are usually light-coloured, caracoletas are for the brave ones, as they are bigger and browner.

Healthy snack

The snails themselves have few calories, making them a healthy snack for the summer; nevertheless, eating them with buttered, toasted bread and beer will not make it the most healthy experience. However, life cannot be just about following a restrictive diet. Eating snails can be a moment of fun between friends and family, which, if done in moderation, will not affect anyone’s lifestyle.

But, beware, as people say, the snails must only be eaten in the months that have no R in them: May, June, July and August.