Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: April 24th, 2022. Today is National Escargot Day and let me tell you Charlie and I are not going to celebrate this Holiday because neither of us plan on eating Snails ie Escargot. I have a question for you would you like to try Escargot?
National Escargot Day
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ESCARGOT DAY
No one really knows who started this holiday or when. But there can never be too many fun food holidays, right? National Escargot Day celebrates the edible Snail, known as ‘Escargot’ in France. The origins of this dish date back to ancient Roman times with archeological evidence showing signs of people having eaten Escargot. It’s believed that the Romans fed Snails Wine and Barley to make them more appetizing and regarded Escargot as an elite dish that was fit for Emperors.
However, it’s not possible to eat all species of Snails and many are too small to be cooked and consumed. There are also other factors to consider including the taste of different species. In France, the most consumed species is the Helix Pomatia. Escargot is not eaten across the globe but in some Countries like France, Spain, and Portugal, Escargot is often enjoyed as a starter.
These Gastropods are served grilled and in their shells. A metal pick that comes along with it is used to remove the Meat from the shell to eat Escargot. In France, people can also purchase these Snails in cans along with a carton of empty Snails and specially dimpled plates for serving. Believe it or not, Edible Snails are actually quite good for you as they’re protein-rich, low in fats, and are packed with Potassium, Vitamin E, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, and Selenium.
Over the years, Escargot has gained popularity with Edible Snails achieving huge sales and it’s no wonder this day is celebrated with excitement.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL ESCARGOT DAY
- It’s time to hone your cooking skills on National Escargot Day by preparing Escargot. It doesn’t require too many ingredients and Escargot is fairly easy to make. You can look up recipes online.
- If you’ve never tried Escargot, then National Escargot Day is a great time to try this delicacy. Visit any French restaurant, order a plate of Escargot, and enjoy.
- While Escargots are easy to prepare, Escargot can be intimidating to actually eat. Go to a French restaurant with someone who has eaten Escargot before and learn how to eat this dish.
5 FACTS ABOUT ESCARGOT
- Heliculture is the Science of growing Snails, particularly to eat them.
- The Snails that are raised on farms to be eaten are fed ground Cereal.
- The French consume approximately 40,000 metric tons of Snails each year.
- Restaurants in the U.S. serve around one billion Snails annually.
- Research shows that Snail slime can be used to treat stomach ulcers.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL ESCARGOT DAY
- Escargots are a delicacy which aren’t favored everywhere. Therefore Escargot is considered a delicacy. Eating Escargots is an acquired taste and National Escargot Day is a great day to try Escargot.
- Don’t worry if you’re health-conscious because Escargots are healthy and Escargot is packed with protein and other essential vitamins and nutrients.
- National Escargot Day is a great opportunity for everyone to unleash their inner foodie and try these French snacks..
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
