How To Buy Canned Escargot Like A Fine Food Connoisseur
In French, the term "escargot" translates to "snail." Snails are hugely popular in France, and humans have consumed snails for tens of thousands of years, recognizing their significant protein content. Well, instead of being a source for survival, escargot is now enjoyed as a delectable entrée with a mild, salty flavor and a texture similar to mussels. Furthermore, their rich taste is more readily available in a can. But which canned escargot is worthy?
Don't be intimidated by these slow-movers; canned escargot is a great way to first taste this delicacy and an intriguing appetizer to wow guests. Like selecting the best canned corned beef to buy, there's also a way of choosing the best canned escargot. One tip is to make sure you buy from a reputable brand: Roland and Sabarot are both renowned. If you plan to dig into these soft yet chewy delicacies, knowing exactly how to choose the right can is essential. Just follow these easy tips, and you'll be a connoisseur in no time.
Prepare to be a canned escargot connoisseur
First, it's best to familiarize yourself with the top canned escargot brands currently on the market. These include: Straight From France, Roland, Great Atlantic Trading, Escargots de Bourgogne Sauvages, and Sabarot. These reputable canned escargot suppliers provide extra-large escargots of the utmost quality from France. Next, checking the ingredients list on the back of the tin is essential. The liquid holding the escargot will reflect the taste inside; for instance, escargot held in wine will resonate with this flavor. The added ingredients will also impact the nutritional value, and there are low-fat or low-carb escargot available if you prefer.
Additionally, check if the escargot is pre-cooked, as this may impact the recipe you intend to follow or the taste you hope to achieve. Some cans may or may not include the shells too. Escargot shells can be a great way to make a visual statement, but consider whether you want them included, as this will also impact the price. Escargot prices vary drastically; smaller cans can start at $5, while large cans can exceed $40 each. Lastly, check for dents in canned goods once you've decided on the perfect escargot can. Dents can be a sign of contaminated food inside the can, so inspecting them is advised.
The art of escargot
The art of buying canned escargot is also wholly tied to how you intend to use them. If you're seeking to create a dish that puts the escargot center-stage, then Great Atlantic Trading, Straight From France, and Sabarot offer rich, earthy, and meaty escargot: excellent baked with butter and garlic. In comparison, Escargots de Bourgogne Sauvages and Roland offer much more versatile escargot: perfect for complementing fish or meat and for use in traditional and non-traditional recipes.
Now that you've selected a can, to master canned escargot, begin by draining and rinsing the escargot. This will remove any musky flavors that may have developed within the can. If you're looking for a simple recipe to try out first, then pairing it with garlic butter is a great first step. Pipe a delectable, herby garlic butter into the snail shells before inserting the snails inside and top with more butter to seal the shell. These are then baked in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the butter bubbles and starts to color. It's simple yet highly satisfying. With this newfound knowledge on buying canned escargot, you can confidently present fine food at home and bring this taste of Paris straight to your table.