| MEET THE MAKER Austria’s only snail farmer

SNAIL SEASON

The best time to buy snails is between April and October, when they’re hibernating, because in order to be edible they need not to have eaten for at least a week.

SIMPLE COOKING

Mix with salt, then boil for 10 minutes to soften the meat. Only then should they be plucked from their shells.

VIENNESE-STYLE

The classic preparation is to cook the snail meat in a bouillabaisse, with gemischten satz wine, parsley, thyme, carrots and salt. After simmering, the dish is baked, fried or sautéed.