Vietnam’s coastline is renowned for its abundance and diversity of seafood, including a special type of snail known as the golden apple snail, or more commonly referred to as the emperor snail.
This species of snail is typically found in the coastal waters of Asian countries, including Hong Kong, the Vietnamese coast, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, and as far south as Indonesia. In Vietnam, the two most notable locations where golden apple snails are most abundant are Quang Ninh and Phan Thiet.
In terms of appearance, the shells of these snails stand out with their vibrant golden color, smooth surface, and unique patterns. The meat of this snail is white, with a soft and tender texture, and a distinctive delicious flavor. Compared to other types of snails, the golden apple snail is significantly larger. Typically, fishermen catch these snails during their regular fishing trips using cast nets and lift nets, rather than through specialized fishing methods for this species.
In the past, golden apple snails were only known within the fishing community, but nowadays, this delicacy has gained popularity in major cities, frequently appearing on the menus of restaurants and eateries. The current market price for these snails ranges from 180,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram.
The market price for golden apple snails currently ranges from 180,000 to 200,000 VND per kilogram
Diners who have savored this delicacy describe the golden apple snail as having a crunchy texture similar to chicken gizzard, along with a distinctive aroma. In previous years, the price of these snails reached approximately 350,000 VND per kilogram. With a weight ranging from 1 to 3 kilograms, each snail could cost up to a million VND. However, the price has since decreased significantly, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Hoan, a fisherman from Hai Tien, Quang Ninh, shared: “The meat of the golden apple snail is divided into two parts. The snail’s foot is white and translucent, with a crunchy texture like chicken gizzard, while the intestine is light brown, softer, and has a rich, buttery flavor, which is why many restaurants seek to procure them for their guests to enjoy.”
The process of cleaning and preparing golden apple snails for cooking is relatively simple. Typically, housewives soak the live snails in rice water with a pinch of salt and chili peppers, which helps the snails expel any impurities. Afterward, the snails are briefly boiled in hot water and then removed, using a sharp and pointed tool to separate the meat from the shell.
The process of cleaning and preparing golden apple snails for cooking is quite simple
According to Hoan, an experienced fisherman, the cooking process for golden apple snails requires careful attention, especially when extracting the meat. If not done carefully, breaking the gallbladder can result in an unpleasant odor and bitter taste, diminishing the quality of the dish. Golden apple snails can be prepared in various delicious ways, such as stir-frying with water spinach, garlic butter, or satay sauce, each method imparting a unique and enticing flavor.
The rainy season is when fishermen harvest the most golden apple snails. On each fishing trip, a boat can bring back around 20 kilograms of snails, which are then sold in the market. However, during scarcesection scarce, this delicacy is quickly snapped up by restaurants and consumed immediately.
The rainy season is when golden apple snails are most abundant
Nowadays, many seafood shops have optimized their processes by cleaning the golden apple snails, cutting them into small pieces, and packaging them in ziplock bags. This convenience allows customers to easily prepare dishes at home; they simply need to rinse the snails with salted water before cooking.
Additionally, golden apple snails are known for their high nutritional value. They contain valuable components such as protein, vitamins, zinc, iron, and essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium. Thus, this type of snail not only enriches the menu but also provides essential nutrients for human health.
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