Conchas

Conchas are the plural form of concha in Spanish and may refer to multiple, distinct concepts depending on context. In natural history and everyday usage, conchas commonly denote shells: the hard external skeletons of mollusks such as snails and clams. These shells are collected worldwide for research, education, ornaments, and souvenirs, and are often described by characteristics such as size, form, color, and pattern.

In cuisine, concha refers to a popular Mexican sweet bread, a type of pan dulce. The plural conchas is used for multiple loaves. Conchas are round loaves topped with a crunchy sugar crust that is stamped or scored to resemble a seashell; the topping is typically vanilla or chocolate flavored. The breads come in various sizes and are commonly sold at panaderías in Mexico and in Mexican communities abroad.

Elsewhere in Spanish-speaking regions, conchas can refer more generally to shells found on beaches and used in decorative arts, jewelry, and crafts. The term also appears in place names and as a surname in some communities.