Winkles, a popular seafood item, offer a unique culinary experience. This article guides readers on locating winkles in their local area. Knowing where to look and what to ask for simplifies the search for these marine snails.
Understanding Winkles
Winkles, also known as common periwinkles, are small edible sea snails with hard, spiral shells. Their shells typically appear dark brown or grey, sometimes black when wet, and possess a rounded, whorled shape. These mollusks are often found clinging to rocks in the intertidal zone, grazing on algae. When cooked, winkles offer a chewy texture and a distinct briny, ocean-like flavor. They are also a nutritious food, providing protein, minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, and are low in fat.
Finding Winkles Locally
Locating winkles for sale requires knowing where to focus your search, as availability varies by region. Seafood markets are a primary source, particularly those specializing in shellfish. Coastal areas with a history of consuming periwinkles often have dedicated seafood shops that stock them year-round. When inquiring, use terms like “winkles,” “periwinkles,” or “sea snails” for clarity.
Specialty Asian grocery stores are another promising avenue for finding winkles. These markets often carry a wide array of seafood items for traditions where winkles are common. Some larger supermarkets with extensive seafood departments might also carry them, especially near coastal communities or in areas with high demand. Calling stores ahead of time is practical to confirm stock and delivery schedules.
Online search engines can assist in identifying potential sellers. Using specific keywords like “seafood market [your city]” or “Asian grocery store [your city]” can yield relevant results. Availability is often influenced by geographic location, with winkles more common in coastal regions where harvested. They are harvested in both Canada and the U.S.A., with some suppliers offering them year-round.
Preparing and Enjoying Winkles
Once acquired, winkles typically require minimal preparation before cooking. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or grit. Some sources suggest soaking them in cold or salted water for 10 minutes to several hours to help them purge any remaining sand.
Winkles are commonly prepared by boiling or steaming, simple methods that allow their natural flavor to shine. For boiling, place them in salted water and cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes once the water returns to a boil. Steaming them for around 4 minutes is another effective option. After cooking, winkles are traditionally extracted from their shells using a pin or toothpick, and they can be enjoyed simply with vinegar, pepper, or butter.