National Escargot Escargot Day

A smiling chef in a French bistro, preparing a plate of escargot with a classic French table setting.. — National escargot escargot day illustration

Are you ready to channel your inner French chef and indulge in some slimy goodness? It's time to celebrate National Escargot Day!

When is Escargot Escargot Day?

It's national escargot escargot day on the 24th May.

The Origin of National Escargot Day

Believe it or not, snails have been on the menu for centuries. The tradition of eating escargots dates back to ancient Rome, where snails were considered a delicacy. Fast forward to modern times, and National Escargot Day was born as a way to pay homage to this unusual but tasty dish.

While the exact history of this day is a bit murky, one thing is for sure - people all over the world are embracing the escargot frenzy on May 24th every year.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National Escargot Day is all about embracing your adventurous side. Here are a few ways to join in the fun:

Head to a fancy French restaurant and order a plate of escargots. Don't forget to pronounce it correctly ('es-car-goh') to impress the waiter.
Feeling bold? Why not try cooking escargots at home? You can find canned or frozen snails at some specialty stores or online. Just make sure to follow a trusted recipe and cook them properly.
Host an escargot-tasting party with your friends. Create a snail-themed menu and savor different variations of escargot dishes.

Did You Know?

Did you know that snails move at a speed of about 0.03 miles per hour? That's slower than the average turtle! So the next time you're waiting for your escargots to arrive at the table, remember that patience is key - both for the snails and for your taste buds.

History behind the term 'Escargot Escargot'

Prehistoric times

Snails in ancient cuisine

Snails have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that snails were a part of the diets of prehistoric humans, including the ancient Romans and Greeks. They were valued for their availability, high nutritional content, and unique taste.

12th century

Monastic snail farming

During the 12th century, monasteries in Europe started cultivating snails specifically for culinary purposes. Monks believed that snails were a leaner alternative to meat, and the monastic gardens provided ideal conditions for snail farming. This marked the beginning of intentional snail breeding and cultivation in Europe.

16th century

Snails as a delicacy in France

By the 16th century, snails had become a cherished delicacy in French cuisine. The term 'escargot' was coined during this time, derived from the Old French word 'escaragol,' which means 'edible snail.' Wealthy French nobles and royalty indulged in snails, considering them a symbol of luxury and refinement.

19th century

Escargot in haute cuisine

In the 19th century, snails made their way into haute cuisine, thanks to influential French chefs. The dish 'escargot à la bourguignonne' became synonymous with snails prepared with garlic, parsley, and butter, elevated by the use of escargot plates and specialized utensils. This marked the formalization of snails as a gastronomic specialty.

20th century

Escargot's international popularity

In the 20th century, escargot gained international popularity and became a sought-after dish in upscale restaurants around the world. French restaurants introduced the culinary term 'escargot' directly into English menus, fostering the widespread recognition of this delicacy. Escargot became synonymous with gourmet dining and continued to captivate adventurous food enthusiasts globally.