Peter Monaghan is Ireland’s very first snail farmer! Upon meeting Peter, one thing becomes very clear. He loves his snails and is passionate about sharing his vast knowledge and gift for snail farming with the world. When Peter was looking into potential farming options, he came across snails and realised that the start-up costs and associated risks were relatively low. And so, in 2015 Inis Escargot was born.
Why farming snails makes sense
Snails have a long history in human kitchens, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia and Mediterranean Europe. Many of you might feel a bit icky about eating snails, but they are an alternative source of protein high in iron and magnesium while being low in fat. Meanwhile, they are relatively low maintenance and have a much smaller environmental footprint than traditionally farmed animals. So this slow food could be a route to a healthier and more eco friendly living. Snails are also slowly sliding into cosmetics, as their mucin, their slimy secretion, is rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. These compounds help with hydration, wound healing and can even rejuvenate the skin.
Icelanders break into the snail business
In collaboration with Eimur, a group of farmers from Northern Iceland travelled to visit Peter in Ireland and experience first-hand what snail farming is all about. Did you know that when 40,000 snails are eating it sounds like Rice Krispies crackling in milk? The farmers also got to see how snail eggs are collected and how adorable and surprisingly fast little snails are just after hatching or as insiders say, morphing.
Icelandic snails
In rural areas where substantial amounts of warm water is currently being wasted in district heating systems, people are trying to find innovative ways to utilise this untapped energy. Sigurður Líndal Þórisson of Eimur explored such options and found that snails could be a fantastic opportunity. Snail farming would offer a most welcome opportunity to diversify the income streams of rural farmers, providing a much-needed support to this challenging lifestyle. Soon, old mink farms and unused barns might house the quietest of farm animals.
Cooking up snails
Snails can be eaten in various ways, but they should always be cooked. One can simmer them in their shells in a fragrant sauce and serve them just like in Pretty Woman. They are also great in soups and stews, or battered and fried. But not every snail is destined for the human table, as some might end up in your pet lizard’s tummy. So I ask you… when the first snails in Iceland are cooked up, will you be brave enough to try one?
