Apart from fish and crayfish, another important seafood that can be found in coastal areas of Nigeria is the periwinkle snail. It is a mollusk that is named scientifically as Littorina littorea. It is commonly known as Isam by Nigerians especially in the coastal areas of the country. The Yoruba people also refer to it as Isawuru. Periwinkles are found mostly on rocky shores and are mostly dispersed into water. They are also found in small tide pools as well as muddy habitats such as estuaries.
They are omnivorous as they feed on both plants and animals i.e. algae and invertebrates such as barnacle larvae. There are many species of these sea animals but the ones found in the riverine areas of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Lagos, and Ondo states have black & cone-shaped hard shells. The edible part of the snail is a soft turquoise blue meat that is about 2-3cm in length and is very rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and low in fat.
As cuisines: Periwinkle snails serve as food in most African homes. It is an important ingredient in the preparation of various delicacies especially of the people found in the coastal areas where it is found. They are used to cook delicacies such as periwinkle soup, native soup, afang soup, ekpang nkukwo, ofe nsala, okra soup and so on.
It can be cooked with or without its shell. When cooked with the shell, the mouth is used to draw out the meat from the shell. The meat can also be removed from the shell by using either a toothpick, needle or nail. Foods prepared with isam provides the body with protein and other essential minerals needed by the body.
Making money: Many children and old women are always seen picking periwinkles from the tide pools or estuaries. People make money by selling in markets in small (cups) and large (bags) quantities. This seafood is very common in Nigerian markets and the sales are always high. Many have sent their children and wards to school with the proceeds of the sales of this edible water animal.
In building: The shell of periwinkles is used in place of cement/tiles in the riverine areas to floor the ground. Masses of this shell is used in the interlocking of roads because of its properties. They are used to plaster local buildings and have been proved to be very strong. They are also used with cement, sand, gravel and so on in the construction of small bridges and jetty in the riverine areas.
As baits: Periwinkles are used as bait for catching small fish. The shell is usually crushed and the soft parts extracted and put on a hook.
Periwinkle snail is one of the numerous animal nature has blessed us with. Its several benefits cannot be taken for granted in people’s life. If you have not tasted this seafood, its high time you introduce it to your menu. It is the right step in having a healthy body. Enjoy periwinkle in delicacies. Bon appetite.