Helicicultura

Helicicultura, or heliciculture, is the practice of farming land snails for commercial purposes. It encompasses breeding, rearing, and processing snails for culinary, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or pet-trade uses. The most commonly cultivated species for food are Helix pomatia (Roman snail) and Cornu aspersum (garden snail, formerly Helix aspersa). Non-native species such as Achatina fulica are farmed in some regions under strict controls due to invasive risk.

Production facilities range from small outdoor pens to climate-controlled indoor systems. Key requirements include a moist, well-ventilated environment with temperatures typically between 15 and 25°C and humidity around 70–90%. Snails are housed in containers with moist substrate such as soil, peat, or compost and fed a calcium-rich diet consisting of greens, grains, crushed shells, and cuttlebone. Regular cleaning, pest control, and quarantine of new stock help prevent disease.

Breeding is hermaphroditic, with individual snails capable of both mating and laying eggs. Eggs incubate in moist substrate for about 2–4 weeks, depending on temperature, after which juveniles emerge and grow slowly to maturity over several months. Growth cycles and harvest times vary by species and climate. After a purge to clear gut contents, snails are cleaned and prepared for culinary markets; some supply cosmetic or pharmaceutical sectors.

Economically, heliciculture ranges from small-scale operations to larger agribusinesses, with production centers in Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Regulation typically covers animal welfare, biosecurity, product safety, and traceability to ensure market quality and sustainability.