National Escargot Day
It was a brave man who first ate a snail. Yet, escargot is a classic French delicacy, and possibly the first farmed creatures in history. Give it a try, at least.
French for edible snails, Escargot is believed to have been the first animals to be farmed by man. Archaeological evidence has left traces of this type of heliciculture going back thousands of years.
Escargot, or cooked land snails, are now consumed across the whole of what used to be the Roman Empire.
Snails are an excellent form of protein, tasty, low in fat, and (since they can’t run very fast) they’re probably pretty easy to catch!
National Escargot Day is the day when it’s time to put this small but important dish into the spotlight.
How to Celebrate National Escargot Day
Enjoying this day is simple — just do various activities that involve appreciating and learning about escargot! Try these or come up with some other creative ideas:
Learn How to Eat EscargotÂ
For some people, ordering a dish of escargot in a restaurant might be intimidating because they may not know how to eat it — and it might not come with special instructions!
Escargot will likely be served on a special plate that includes divots where the snails are placed in their shells. In addition, the plate will likely be brought with a small snail fork as well as a pair of tongs. But what is a person supposed to do with the equipment?!
Actually, it’s easier than it might seem. Simply use the tongs to pick up one of the snail shells. Reach the small fork into the shell and twist it so that the meat separates from the shell, then pull the meat out.
Since they are such a delicacy, escargot is meant to be eaten slowly and enjoyed. So be sure to savor them just a few small bites at a time!
Order a Meal that Includes Escargot
For many people, the idea of eating snails can be a bit off-putting, but trying them is the only way to figure out if you like them! The best way to do this on National Escargot Day would be to go to a restaurant that serves them, which means they’ll be well-prepared in a traditional manner.
But don’t go alone! Take a friend who likes escargot. That way, if it turns out they aren’t a favorite, the full plate of them won’t go to waste as the friend can still enjoy them!
Share Fun Facts About EscargotÂ
Beyond knowing that they are cooked snails, many people really don’t have any idea what escargot, or National Escargot Day, are all about. Try out these fun facts to help educate the world in their love for this delicacy:
- Escargot is often served as an appetizer, to be eaten prior to other courses of a full meal.
- Apicius, who was the author of the world’s oldest surviving cookbooks, has a recipe for snails in this book (aged 1 century BC to 2 century BC).
- About 1 billions snails are served in restaurants each and every year, and about 40,000 tons of these are consumed by French people, as expected.
- The scientific realm of growing snails to be used for food is called Heliculture.
Celebrate with Cheesy Snail JokesÂ
Why not celebrate National Escargot Day with a few different classic snail jokes?
- From the movie Trading Places: a snail buys a sports car and has it sprayed with a massive letter ‘S’, so everyone will see him and say ’Watch that ‘S’ car go.’!
- Why do the French eat snails? They don’t like fast food.
- A man opened a snail farm. His only complaint is that the business is slow-moving.
- How do snails keep in touch? By using their shell phones.
Take a Trip to FranceÂ
Of course, most French people would agree that the best place in the world to enjoy National Escargot Day is France! So, hop on a plane or train and buzz on over to Paris or another French city to have the best snail-eating experience possible.
Many restaurants in the country work to keep traditional recipes alive for this delicacy. But just about any restaurant found in Paris will have these on their menu as an appetizer, including local wine bars, bistros, cafes, and brassieres.
Consider one of these Parisian restaurants for a starter of escargot:
- L’Escargot Montorgueil. Considered something of an institution in the city, this historic restaurant has been serving famous people (such as Marcel Proust and Salvador Dali) since 1832 in the Les Halles district.
- Au Doux Raisin. For a place that’s less unassuming (and less expensive) this wine bar is reminiscent of the 1950’s era, offering delicious escargot with only customary, fresh ingredients.
- Le Maison de l’Escargot. Another classically known place in Paris, this takeaway place is perfect for stocking a picnic of homemade escargot to be eaten anywhere in the city. Garlic butter is the main vibe, and the takeaway aspect makes this place a whole lot more affordable.
While in Paris, don’t forget to enjoy some of the usual tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre (world’s largest art museum), the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral. And grab some macarons to eat along the way while waiting for Paris to light up at night!
Be Safe with EscargotÂ
Escargot is a delicacy that can be fairly expensive when ordered in a restaurant because the snails are grown on special farms. It’s a fairly long and involved process to get them ready to cook and eat, making them a pricey item on the menu.
Although people who find huge snails in their backyards or while hiking may think that these would make a fine meal and could save a little money, don’t try it! Snails that live in the wild can be extremely dangerous to eat.
Because they tend to eat just about anything they come across (including things that could be toxic to humans), the contents of their stomachs can cause illness if they are consumed.
Snails that are served in restaurants are fed a special diet that usually includes mostly cereals, to be sure that they are then safe for people to eat.
So forget the wildlife barbecue and stick to sourcing snails from a reputable place, whether a restaurant or gourmet grocer.
History of National Escargot Day
These flavorsome gastropods are classically served grilled, in their shells, smothered in garlic butter. They are served with a metal pick that is used to hook the meat out with and into the mouth.
Although not enjoyed in all parts of the world, escargot is well known for being served in France, which is where the name comes from.
In France, it’s even possible to buy snails sold in cans or tins, with a carton of empty shells attached, and specially dimpled plates to serve them on.
So get ready to celebrate this rather obscure but totally fun day!
National Escargot Day FAQs
Why are snails considered a luxury food item in many countries?
Snails weren’t always a luxury. Ancient Romans considered them a cheap protein source, often farming them in their gardens.
Over time, their slow preparation and the rich sauces used to enhance their flavor elevated snails into a delicacy. Today, escargot is a symbol of refined taste in French cuisine and beyond.
How did ancient civilizations use snails besides as food?
Ancient Greeks and Romans used snail mucus as a medicinal ingredient.
They believed it had healing properties for burns and wounds. Some even used snail shells in pigments for art, showcasing their versatile value in ancient societies.
Are there other animals that rival snails in gourmet dining status?
Snails share their “gourmet but odd” category with creatures like frogs (frog legs) and sea urchins (uni).
Like escargot, these dishes reflect regional tastes and require careful preparation to appeal to high-end dining enthusiasts. The appeal often lies in their unique textures and pairing with bold flavors.
What environmental role do snails play?
Snails are nature’s recyclers. They break down decomposing plant matter and enrich soil with their waste.
However, their overpopulation can damage crops, leading to both culinary and agricultural interest in controlling snail populations.
How are snails sourced for escargot dishes?
While some snails are wild-caught, many come from farms practicing heliciculture.
These farms ensure snails grow in controlled environments, feeding them safe plants to improve flavor. This practice reduces risks from consuming wild snails, which may have ingested toxins.
What unusual superstitions or beliefs are tied to snails?
In some cultures, snails symbolize patience and progress because of their slow pace.
Others view them as a weather predictor, believing active snails signal rain. These beliefs reveal how snails have captured human imagination in surprising ways.
How do chefs outside France adapt escargot recipes?
Chefs worldwide experiment with escargot. In Vietnam, snails are grilled with lemongrass and chili.
In Italy, they’re simmered in tomato sauce. Each preparation adds a cultural twist while honoring the delicacy’s unique flavor.
What makes snail farming eco-friendly compared to other protein sources?
Snail farming uses minimal water and space, unlike traditional livestock farming.
Snails also emit fewer greenhouse gases, making them a sustainable protein choice. Their eco-friendliness is attracting attention from environmentalists and food innovators.
Are there specific wines that pair best with escargot?
Dry white wines like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc pair wonderfully with escargot.
Their crispness complements the rich garlic butter used in traditional French recipes. Regional wine pairings often highlight how cultures integrate local flavors with escargot.
What role does escargot play in modern dining trends?
Escargot is finding a place in fusion cuisine, where chefs mix traditional recipes with global ingredients.
It’s also becoming popular in pop-up dining events, introducing the dish to adventurous eaters in unexpected settings. The trend reflects a revival of interest in gourmet yet accessible dining.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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