Apple snails provide extra income to fisherman in Temerloh

TEMERLOH: The infamous apple snails, locally known as ‘siput gondang’ – usually linked with destruction at rice fields – are now slowly gaining reputation as a nutritious food source.

Despite the snails’ bad reputation, fisherman Safri Mohamed, 45, has found a unique way to supplement his income, by selling apple snails that he collects along the riverbank, at the Pekan Sehari Temerloh here.

The snails, according to Safri, can not only be consumed as part of a healthy diet, but they are also believed to have medicinal properties to cure various illnesses.

Safri, who lives in Kampung Bolok Hilir, Lanchang near here, would earn about RM150 by selling apple snails at Pekan Sehari Temerloh on Sundays.

He also claims that the apple snails sold by him are different from the ‘golden apple snails’, as his are bigger in size and can be used as a health supplement by those suffering from haemorrhage and fatigue.

“I collect the snails from the tributaries around Lanchang and they are not poisonous, so they can be taken as part of a healthy diet and can even be used as a cure for illness, if consumed regularly,” he said at Pekan Sehari Temerloh yesterday.

At his stall, customers could purchase the snails at RM5 per plate, and Safri – assisted by wife Rosmawati Ismail, 45 – would help the customers remove the shells using the correct method.

“It (the flesh) has rubbery texture and slightly chewy, similar to chicken gizzards, and can be served baked or fried without turmeric for more benefits,” said Safri.

He said those interested to try out apple snails could purchase them at his stall in Pekan Sehari Temerloh on Sundays. — Bernama