Discover the snail
A true source of pride for our region !
The Burgundy snail
Hélix Pomatia
Renowned for its pronounced earthy flavour and dense texture, it is distinguished by its light-coloured shell and flesh.
It is an exclusively wild species. Protected in France since 1979, its harvesting is strictly regulated: it is only permitted for private individuals, under certain conditions, but prohibited for commercial purposes.
It is therefore mainly collected in the spring in Central and Eastern Europe, where it still thrives in the wild, by local residents, in compliance with strict regulations.
Other varieties
The classic snail
Helix lucorum
Its flesh, softer and less refined than that of its cousin Helix pomatia, is nonetheless appreciated in certain culinary traditions Unable to adapt to farming, it is collected in the wild within its habitat, which extends primarily to the northeastern Mediterranean basin.
The Little and Large Grey Snail
Helix aspersa
Whether it’s the Müller or maxima variety, this snail thrives particularly well in France.
The Aspersa Müller, or “Petit Gris” (Little Grey), is abundant in the wild around the Mediterranean and is highly prized in Catalan cuisine.
Its flesh is soft, but offers a rather delicate flavour, especially if the snail lived in the wild.
Larger, the *Aspersa maxima*, or “Gros Gris” (Large Grey), is the main species farmed in France. Its flesh, also soft but with a milder flavour, makes it a local alternative to Burgundy snails for those who prefer snails from France.
Did you know ?
Snails come in several sizes.
A snail’s size, called its grade,, depends on its age, as it grows throughout its life.
Only adult snails can be harvested; regulations prohibit the collection of younger ones to protect the species.
The size is indicated based on the weight of the flesh, allowing consumers to choose the size that suits them best.
There are four main categories, from smallest to largest: Medium, Large, Very Large, Extra Large.
The ” Medium ” size
is ideal for those who want to try snails for the first time, as there is less flesh.
The ” Large ” size
is the most common and most appreciated : it is the “standard” size on the market.
The ” Very Large ” & ” Extra Large ” sizes
are geared more towards connoisseurs, those seeking a more generous texture and a more pronounced flavour experience.
Visit La Boutique de l’Escargot et de la Truffe in Dijon to discover our range of snail-based products.
