Cretan Snails - The so called “Chochlioi”

A very famous cretan dish is “chochlioi boubouristoi”, meaning snails fried in the pan, with vinegar and oregano or rosemary.

The chochlioi of Crete have been famous, as they stand out growing free and not in farms,  and with no human intervention.

Their collection takes place late at night or early in the morning when it is wet (usually early spring). People who collect them many times have to climb even on steep mountain peaks to find the purest snails nature produces. These snails found on the island’s mountains, are fed by thyme and other bushy plants, thus maintaining their purity.

The demand for the chochlioi of Crete, which are an important source of protein, is great all over the world. Thus, livestock units have been built up on the island, where they are fed and grown in special facilities.

Though I don’t eat them, I must admit that they are healthy and the favorite gourmet dish of many locals as well as visitors.