Anyone who lives in a country different from where they grew up has that one food, snack, or drink, that they associate with the country or region they grew up, that they no longer have access to eating or drinking on a daily basis.
For me, there are many that come to mind like Starch and Banga Soup, Ube, fresh Cashew fruit, Guava, and periwinkle.
When I lived in Nigeria, it was easy to buy periwinkle and add it to my soups and other dishes. I wouldn’t say I took it for granted how available it was but in many ways, I did.
What is the African Periwinkle?
Periwinkle, also known as the West African mud creeper is a small, edible gastropod found in the brackish waters and mangroves of West Africa.
The scientific name for it is Tympanotonus fuscatus. Definitely a tongue-twister!
It is a popular ingredient in traditional dishes in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. The way I like to describe is that is a small snail that coils in it’s shell and has dark colors. It loves muddy environments, which is why you tend to see it around coastal regions and the way it is harvested is actual by hand or with small nets.
In Nigeria, you know every region likes to put their own spin on things. It is called Isam by the Efik/Ibibio people, Isawuru by Yoruba People, Mgbi by Bayelsa People, Ngongo in Calabar, Mfi by Akwa Ibom people, and Ngoloo by the Igbo people.
How is African Periwinkle Used?
African periwinkle is commonly added to soups, stews, and sauces. Just thinking about this now makes me hungry! Most people usually add it to dishes like Edikang Ikong, Afang soup, and Banga soup. I usually take it out of the shell before using it in my cooking although I have actually seen people prepare it then scoop it out later.
How Do You Remove African Periwinkle From Its Shell?
To remove African periwinkle from its shell, you can use a small pin or toothpick.
There is also a particular tiny hook that can be used for removing the snail from the shell.
My recommendation is to first boil hot water. Soak the periwinkle in the hot water for a few minutes. Soaking it loosens the snail from the shell. Then break the tail of each one and use the hook or toothpick to remove the snail from the top.
Nutritional Benefits
So for me, it’s not really all about the taste that the West African mud creeper bring to my meals. I also love how nutrient-rich it is. It contains high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
Additionally, it is low in fat, making it a healthy and lean protein option.
Cultural and Medicinal Uses
In many coastal communities, the periwinkle plays a role in traditional medicine. Some people believe that it improves general health and vitality.
Can African Periwinkle Be Grown Indoors or in Shaded Areas?
Yes, African periwinkle can be farmed in controlled environments, including shaded areas.
However, it thrives best in conditions that mimic its natural habitat, such as brackish water and muddy mangroves.
Proper aquaculture setups can support indoor cultivation.
Can It Survive Winter?
No, sadly the African periwinkle is not something that can adapt to cold climates or winter conditions. If it was, I would eat it all the time. It all about the warm temperatures for it. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and if kept in colder environments, it would require a controlled, warm aquaculture system to survive.
Does African Periwinkle Live In Freshwater?
African periwinkle primarily inhabits brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and saltwater found in mangroves and estuaries.
It cannot thrive in purely freshwater environments due to its need for slightly saline conditions.
What Color Is the African Periwinkle?
The African periwinkle typically has a dark-colored, coiled shell. If you look at the images I added you can see that some of the shells are black while others lean towards dark brown, with some lighter patches or streaks depending on the individual and its habitat.
The snail on the inside is usually greenish in color with touches of white and yellow.
What Can I Use Instead of African Periwinkle?
If African periwinkle is unavailable, other small shellfish like mussels, cockles, or clams can serve as substitutes. They won’t taste the same, that I can assure you but you will get some satisfaction that you are eating something close to it.
Personally, if I don’t have periwinkles, I use giant African land snails (Lissachatina fulica). While they are larger in size, there is just something about the way they taste that makes them a good substitute in my cooking. In the past when I would make my traditional soups, I would mix these two snails together.
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