What is a snail? How much is 1 kg? Prepare and prepare delicious dishes
I/ What Is Turban Snail?
Turban snail, also known as Babylonia areolata, belongs to the Babyloniidae family and is mainly found in tropical seas. It is a soft-bodied mollusk with a spiral shell, typically measuring under 10 cm in length and weighing around 60 grams.
Unlike many other snail species, turban snails do not have a distinct fishy odor. Their meat has a natural and delicious taste. This makes them a popular seafood choice for many people.
One way to distinguish turban snails from other snail species is by looking at their shells. Turban snail shells are light yellow with brown spots on the surface. Another distinguishing feature is their unique natural aroma, different from the typical fishy smell associated with many other snail varieties.
II/ Nutritional Value of Turban Snail
Turban snails not only taste great but also offer several health benefits. Here’s some information on the nutritional value and health benefits of consuming turban snails:
1. Minerals and Vitamins: Turban snails are rich in essential minerals and vitamins, including protein, vitamin B, vitamin A, iron, selenium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients play vital roles in various bodily functions.
2. Enhanced Immunity: Thanks to the vitamins and minerals present in turban snails, consuming them can boost your immune system, helping your body fight off diseases.
3. Bone, Eye, and Skin Health: Turban snails contain components like protein, iron, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids that can benefit bone health, improve vision, and enhance skin condition.
4. Support for White Blood Cells and Thyroid Function: Nutrients in turban snails can support white blood cell function and thyroid gland health, enhancing the body’s ability to fight oxidative stress.
5. Reduced Cardiovascular Risk and Weight Management: The omega-3 fatty acids in turban snails can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and assist in weight management by providing essential nutrients without adding excessive calories.
It’s essential to consume turban snails in moderation and maintain a balanced diet. If you have any specific health concerns, consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes.
III/ Price of Turban Snail per Kilogram
The price of turban snail can vary depending on factors such as season, weather conditions, and market demand. At present, you can find turban snails sold at different prices, typically ranging from 300,000 to 900,000 Vietnamese Dong per kilogram. The price may vary based on the size and the number of snails in each kilogram. Some common categories include:
– 50-60 snails per kilogram
– 70-80 snails per kilogram
– 90-110 snails per kilogram
Additionally, larger turban snails (size 18-22 snails per kilogram) may have a higher value and can reach prices above 1 million Vietnamese Dong per kilogram, depending on market conditions and supply at the time.
IV/ How to Prepare Turban Snail
You’ve mentioned various methods to prepare turban snail, all of which are common and effective ways to clean turban snails and remove any fishy odor. Here are some detailed explanations for each method:
1. Using Rice Water: Soaking turban snails in rice water helps remove dirt and impurities from their shells. Rice absorbs dirt and impurities during soaking. After soaking, rinse the snails thoroughly with water and drain.
2. Metal Water Bath: This method uses metal objects like spoons, tongs, or knives to create friction and stimulate the snails to release dirt from their shells. Turban snails typically respond to hard, metal surfaces by pushing out impurities from their shells.
3. Diluted Saltwater or Citrus Bath: Soaking turban snails in a mixture of saltwater or citrus juice (like lemon or lime) creates an acidic and slightly salty environment, helping to remove any fishy odor and bacteria from the snails.
4. Vinegar, Chili, and Lime Bath: This method involves using a mixture of vinegar, chili, and lime to create an acidic and spicy environment. It helps eliminate any fishy odor and provides a tangy and spicy flavor to the snails.
V/ Delicious Turban Snail Recipes
1. Turban Snail in Salted Egg Yolk Sauce
Ingredients:
– 400g turban snails
– 4 salted egg yolks
– 40g unsalted butter
– 4 chili peppers
– 1 piece of ginger
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 100ml white wine
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon cooking oil
– Salt/sugar to taste
Instructions:
– Clean the turban snails and boil them for about 10 minutes with ginger and salt.
– Make a sauce by heating cooking oil and adding minced garlic, then adding the mashed salted egg yolks, white wine, fish sauce, butter, and chili. Cook until the sauce thickens.
– Add the boiled turban snails to the sauce and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
– The dish is ready to serve with a flavorful salted egg yolk sauce.
– Check if the snails are alive by pressing on the operculum. If it retracts, the snail is alive.
– Boil the snails for about 2 minutes in water with salt and sugar. Drain.
– Create a salt and pepper mixture using salt, MSG, sugar, and chicken powder.
– Toss the boiled snails in the mixture.
– Heat a pan and stir-fry the snails for a crispy finish.
3. Turban Snail Stir-Fry with Coconut
Ingredients:
– 1 kg turban snails
– 3 garlic cloves
– 1 lemongrass stalk
– 1 tablespoon cooking oil
– 1 teaspoon chicken stock powder
– 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Coconut milk
Instructions:
– Clean the turban snails by brushing away dirt from the shells.
– Soak the snails in rice water for 2-3 hours, then rinse and drain.
– Mince 3 garlic cloves and slice the lemongrass thinly.
– Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan, add the garlic and lemongrass, and stir until fragrant.
– Add the turban snails, 1 teaspoon chicken stock powder, 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional), 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
– Pour in coconut milk and simmer for about 20 minutes until the coconut sauce thickens.
– The dish is ready to serve with the aroma of lemongrass and coconut.
VI/ How to Store Turban Snail for Longer Freshness
To store turban snails for an extended period, consider the following methods:
– Airtight Packaging: Place turban snails in an airtight, moisture-proof bag or a sealed food container to prevent direct contact with water and air. Ensure that the snails are well sealed to avoid moisture loss.
– Freezing: An effective way to preserve turban snails for an extended period is to freeze them. Before packaging, clean and dry the snails thoroughly. Then, put them in a moisture-proof bag or a sealed container, removing all air inside, and seal tightly. Once packaged, place the snails in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.
– Creating an Artificial Habitat: Another method involves creating a habitat similar to the sea for the snails. Use seawater or make seawater by mixing water with sea salt at a ratio of 3 grams of salt per liter of water. Maintain the water temperature between 25–30 degrees Celsius to keep the snails alive longer.
I hope you find this information helpful for understanding, preparing, and preserving delicious dishes using turban snails!
