NIGERIAN DRY PERIWINKLES - 80g

Nigerian dry periwinkle (often called 'Isam' in Efik/Ibibio or 'Isawuru' in Yoruba) is a preserved, edible sea snail harvested from the muddy coastal shores of Nigeria. These small snails are thoroughly cleaned, washed, and dried—often via sun-drying or oven-drying—to extend their shelf life while retaining a rich, savoury seafood flavour that is crucial to many traditional West African dishes.

Key Characteristics and Culinary Use:

• Appearance: They are usually greenish, black, or dark brown and cone-shaped.
• Flavour Profile: Dried periwinkle provides a deeply savoury, earthy, and slightly oceanic taste, often enhancing soups similar to how prawns or dried fish are used.
• Usage in Soups: It is a key ingredient in popular Nigerian soups like Afang, Edikang Ikong, Egusi, Oha, and Okra soup.
• Preparation: Before cooking, they are usually soaked in warm water to rehydrate them, after which they can be added directly into soups, with or without their shells.
• Nutritional Value: They are high in protein and rich in essential nutrients like iron, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

• Preservation: Drying allows for the storage of this delicate seafood for long periods, making it accessible to those outside coastal regions and in the diaspora.
• Texture: They provide a chewy, satisfying texture to soups.
• Substitute: They act as a great alternative to fresh snails or prawns when those are not readily available.

Instructions on how to use:

• Cook for 10 minutes in hot, boiling water before using it to cook.
• Or soak for 30 minutes before using it to cook.