Introduction- Winkle: A Delicate Sea Snail Delicacy
Winkles are tiny sea snails from the Littorinidae family, with over 185 species worldwide. They are most commonly found creeping among rocks, debris, and other objects in the intertidal zone of the shorelines.
They are native to the rocky coasts of Europe and North America. They have a distinct conical shell with numerous whorls that range in colour from deep purples to earthy greens. Winkles inhabit littoral, soft-bottom, and coastal intertidal environments and rely on crevices and protected intertidal areas during the day for shelter.
The meat of the winkle is considered a delicacy across many countries and cultures and is renowned for its sweet and nutty, succulent flavour and delicate texture.
Description
Winkles (Littorinacean) are known as periwinkles, pinnies, or whelks and have been harvested as a popular food delicacy from ancient times.
They are scavenging organisms that feed on algae, molluscs, and other small creatures that they find in the ocean. In coastal areas with shallow waters, they form small colonies of up to several hundred to several thousand individuals.
Physical Characteristics
Winkles are bivalve molluscs in the suborder Prosobranchia. The shell of the Winkle is an elongated coil with a pointed apex and rounded whorls.
The outside of the body is usually brown, black, purple or red coloured and is covered in a thick brown layer. Cream or yellow is typically the color of the interior of the shell.
A Winkle’s body is blackish-brown and covered in small conical spines. It has two long tentacles extending from the front of its head and can be withdrawn into a protective tube behind its eyes.
At the tip of its head are two short antennae used for smell and taste. The Winkle also has a strong and muscular foot, used for movement and aiding in digestion.
The most recognisable feature of winkles is their conical spiral shell, providing exceptional defence against potential predators. The surfaces possess an array of ridges, spines, and openings referred to as ‘teeth’ that effectively protect the delicate body of the mollusc.
In most species, female winkles possess a larger and darker shell than males.
Habitat
Winkles live in shallow tidal pools, attached to rocks or seaweed, and often in large aggregations. These environments are usually abundant with nutrients, making winkles a vital source of nitrogen and other minerals. Winkles can be found in intertidal zones worldwide and are highly adapted to this environment.
Winkles can live in brackish water and tolerate extremely low oxygen levels and high salt content. The species rely on a siphon to feed and take in oxygen and can extend their siphon to the surface to respire.
Regions of Winkle Fisheries
Live winkles are collected and commonly eaten in many coastal regions around the world. In Europe, winkles have traditionally been gathered by hand-picking from intertidal areas of rocky shores, predominantly along the UK and Irish coasts during low tide.
Besides the Atlantic coast of France, the Spanish Mediterranean, the Black Sea coast of Romania, and some Caribbean regions, winkle fishing is also practiced in other parts of the continent.
Winkles are the most abundant edible mollusc resource in the Strait of Sicily, with the seasonal catch from this area being heavily relied upon by the local fishing industry.
Vulnerability and Conservation Efforts
Despite being generally robust, Winkles are still vulnerable to overfishing and the destruction of their habitats by human activities, such as recreational fishing and the destruction of intertidal seashores. These activities can quickly disrupt Winkle populations, making them the subject of active conservation efforts.
In Ireland, for example, Winkle stocks plummeted in the late 1990s due to overfishing, leading the Irelands Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to implement regulations such as seasonal harvesting, size limits, and gear type restrictions. Conservation efforts have also included creating marine protected areas, population monitoring and enforcing rules.
The fishing of winkles is heavily regulated and managed by the EU and some other countries, primarily through quotas, licensing and conservation measures. These restrictions have been put in place to protect the populations of winkles while also ensuring the sustainable and responsible continuation of the practice.
Distribution of Stocks
Winkles are mainly found in the littoral zone, along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, the western Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the eastern shores of South America and North America. They are also commonly found sporadically around the coasts of New Zealand and Australia.
Winkles inhabit salt marshes, sheltered rocky shores, and estuaries in the littoral zone. They are rarely found in deeper waters but prefer high current regions, such as sandy or muddy substrates, rockpools, rocky shelves, and between mussels and other shellfish. Winkles can live out of the water for periods and survive for days in the air if the habitat is exposed due to extreme low tides. As a result, they can move between habitats, cling to objects, and take refuge in tiny crevices to remain moist during ebb tide.
Sustainable Fishing Practices
Historically, winkles have been harvested from intertidal areas of rocky shores by hand-picking them from shallow depths. However, winkles can be caught in more higher areas through dredging and trawling. Due to the potential to damage the environment, encouraging more sustainable methods for collecting winkles has become increasingly important. As well as harvesting them by hand, winkles can be taken by traps, pots, and dredges depending on the area and fishing method employed.
Winkles’ Diet
Winkles feed off various sources, from seaweed to small invertebrates, and form an integral part of the food web. Depending on the species, some may be carnivorous and others omnivorous, with their diet varying according to the season and habitat they reside.
In the summer, they may consume more vegetable matter like kelp and algae. At the same time, in the winter, they may scavenge for animal matter such as detritus, barnacle cyprid larvae, diatoms, and smaller Winkle individuals.
They can locate food sources through their tentacles, which allow them to detect the chemicals produced by algae. They can also eat large pieces of vegetables and fruits and are one of the few varieties of sea snails that will consume sand to help them digest their food.
They are also regularly harvested as a food source and for shells, which are often used in crafts, jewellery, ornaments, and decorations. In turn, they provide food for predator animals such as birds and fish.
Spawning and Reproduction
Winkles spawn in Spring and Summer months, and during their growth cycle, they are born one sex but then morph into another halfway through. Winkles are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
Reproduction occurs via copulation, and fertilisation is internal. Fertilised eggs, typically in clumps of 80 to 100 eggs, are laid in gelatinous strings that are usually attached to rocks and other surfaces. As the eggs develop, they form shells and eventually hatch into planktonic larvae, ultimately finding their way onto the seabed, where they develop further to reach adulthood.
Life Cycle of Winkles
The winkles’ life cycle begins with egg production or mating. The eggs are laid in batches in the sand, mud, or mudflats near the coast and hatch after two days. At this point, the newly hatched winkles (called veligers) drift in the sea using their small shells to stay afloat.
After up to two months, they sink to the ocean floor and metamorphose into full-fledged winkles. Winkles reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years and can live for up to 4-5 years, although some may live for over 25 years and produce up to 300,000 eggs in one breeding season.
Etymology
The English word ‘winkle’ is derived from the Middle English word ‘wykles’, which translates as ‘small creatures’. The name likely originates from the fact that winkles are small shellfish that measure only a few centimetres.
In the old English language, winkles are known as ‘wicceles’. Here, the name is derived from the Old English term ‘wice’, which means a small creature.
Winkles in Cuisine
Winkles are a popular ingredient in numerous cuisines, holding significant culinary importance. They can be cooked in various ways, including steaming, boiling, roasting, and baking, and in many traditional recipes such as omelettes, risotto, gratin, and stew.
Winkles are widely served in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and France as a popular seafood dish, often served as part of a larger meal or with alcoholic beverages.
In Asian cuisines, winkles are used in sauteing with a little oil as well in soups and stews. Latin American countries such as Peru and Chile also feature winkles as a respected seafood dish.
Significance
As food, winkles are a popular source in Europe and North America, with different species being harvested and prepared in various ways.
Nutritional information on Winkles indicates that they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals and provide essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Winkles are also closely related to other marine invertebrates, such as oysters and mussels, and play an integral part in the marine food web, serving as both prey and predators. They are also being studied for their potential to produce essential medicines.
Popularity and Availability
Winkles are surprisingly popular and enjoyed as a delicacy around the world, often served as an appetiser or side dish, available all year round. In Europe, winkles are traditionally served with white wine and melted butter.
In Asia, they are enjoyed with a dipping sauce. The winkles are usually served with melted butter and boiled in broth or spiced butter in the United States.
As the popularity of winkles as a food source has grown, numerous recipes have been developed utilising different preparation methods, even using the frozen variety.
Nutritional Values
Winkles are known for their low calories, fat and sodium content, yet are relatively rich in protein, minerals, vitamins and other essential compounds. They contain large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids – necessary for human health.
Winkles are also incomparably rich in all the B-complex vitamins (B1, B6, B12, and vitamin D) and mineral electrolytes, an excellent source of dietary fibre, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc. Studies show they also contain abundant zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper.
Health Benefits
Eating Winkles regularly can aid in weight management due to their low level of calories. Additionally, they contain a range of essential amino acids, which help the body repair and maintain its tissues. Moreover, Winkles can reduce inflammation associated with numerous health complications.
Taste and Texture
Winkles have a soft and delicate texture with a subtle yet distinct flavour. Often compared to shrimp, winkles have a sweet and nutty taste with a hint of saltiness and they taste delicious.
The flavour of winkles can vary greatly depending on the method of cooking. Raw winkles tend to have a more robust flavour than cooked winkles, which taste best when boiled, grilled, steamed, or eaten raw.
Proper Preparation of Winkles
The first step to properly prepare winkles for eating is to wash and scrub them with a toothbrush to remove any dirt or debris. Afterwards, they should be boiled or simmered in a pot of water for 3-4 minutes or until they become slightly firm. Salt and pepper can then be added to taste. Before serving, removing the shells and other remaining innards that may still be attached is essential.
It is important not to overcook winkles as this may make them tough and rubbery. Overcooking can also diminish their unique, salty flavour. After cooking, any leftover or unused winkles should be discarded.
Winkles can be baked with garlic, olive oil, and parsley for a different twist on the traditional preparation method. Grilling can also bring out some great flavours from this small mollusc, and stir-frying with vegetables adds an enjoyable culinary experience.
Side Dishes
Flavor Pairings
When pairing Winkles with side dishes, there is a wide range of traditional and exotic dishes. Popular side dishes which pair well with Winkles include boiled potatoes, steamed vegetables, mixed salads, mashed carrots, garlic parsley potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted asparagus, mashed sweet potatoes, and roasted artichokes.
In addition to traditional sides, unique flavours can be paired with Winkles for a more adventurous experience. These include the likes of lemon, olive oil, garlic, chillies and herbs.
Festive dishes such as a summer salad of tomatoes and feta, potatoes with a traditional tzatziki sauce, or a slow-cooked casserole with roasted vegetables can be combined with Winkles for a special meal.
Exotic side dishes paired with Winkles include Moroccan-style couscous, green beans and almonds, or ratatouille, as well as more unusual sides such as herby potatoes consisting of roasted or mashed potatoes with parsley, thyme, oregano and garlic.
Beverage Pairings
Complementing the delicate yet flavorful taste of Winkles is a selection of white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc and others. Other traditional accompaniments include rice, bread, pesto, vinaigrette, and pickles.
Popular Winkle Recipes
Winkles have a range of uses in the kitchen, making them versatile ingredients in all sorts of recipes. The classic, much-loved British dish of Winkle Chowder is prepared with potatoes, bacon and winkles.
Many other recipes are popular, including black olive and caramelised onion risotto with winkles, winkles and bacon spaghetti, boiled winkles with a garlic butter sauce, winkle stew with bacon and potatoes, grilled winkles with rosemary, winkle risotto with a creamy white wine sauce, fried winkles with aioli, baked winkles with lemon and herbs and creamy winkles on toast. For a more adventurous recipe, there are even recipes for winkle curry and salt and pepper winkles.
Winkles in History and Cultures
Winkles have been a part of culinary culture and history for centuries. References to winkles as part of edible dishes can be found in historical texts and folk recipes of the medieval/early modern period. Due to their popularity, they can be found in cuisines from Scotland, Germany, Scandinavia, and the Baltic States.
They are particularly popular in the Mediterranean and commonly served in shellfish restaurants. Despite their longstanding acceptance in numerous cultures, winkles are less widely consumed in some areas than other shellfish.
Winkles have been a food staple in the British Isles for centuries, with their abundance and small size making them one of the most accessible shellfish to capture. In the 19th century, winkles were imported worldwide to satisfy the demand for a sustainable and accessible seafood option.
During this period, winkles were also canned and exported, allowing them to be enjoyed in distant regions.
Conclusion
Winkles have been an essential part of human diets for centuries, and their versatile uses have been featured in various dishes. They remain a popular delicacy in some parts of the UK and Europe, and conservation efforts are being made to protect this species from further decline.
Whatever the dish, winkles make a genuinely unique and flavoursome addition. Whether consumed on their own, as part of a larger dish, or as an accompaniment to whisky, they remain a popular seafood option throughout Britain, Ireland and beyond.
