Pond snails

Pond snails

　　Pond snails are a well-known local specialty of the mountainous areas in Luhe County. Their bodies are slightly elongated, with pointed tails, hard shells, and a dark brown color, resembling a cone. Their mouths also function as their bellies, and they have highly developed ventral feet. They live in the small streams of the deep mountains, emerging at night and hiding during the day, preferring clean water sources. They usually attach themselves to crevices or rocks in the water, feeding on microorganisms and small aquatic plants such as algae. Typically, they are slightly smaller than the pinky finger and can be picked and cooked, while larger ones may be as big as a thumb.

　　Pond snails are a flavorful and nutritious delicacy. Their meat is extremely tender and smooth, with an exceptionally delicious taste and rich in nutrients such as protein. Since they live in the pristine mountain springs, the water is clean, and there’s no muddy taste, making them a popular mountain delicacy. As a result, they are now a sought-after gourmet dish in restaurants and eateries across Luhe. There are many ways to enjoy pond snails. To savor their original flavor, you can either stew them into a soup or stir-fry them fresh. Before cooking, soak them in clean water for a day to clean their bodies, then use tweezers to trim their pointed tails. Boil or stir-fry them with seasonings such as ginger, garlic, and chili for an incredibly delicious flavor. Another way is to stew them with cleaned pickled vegetables, adding a bit of pork ribs. After simmering for two to three hours, the aroma is absolutely enticing, greatly stimulating the appetite. It's so delicious that you won't want to stop eating — truly a mountain delicacy.

　　Pond snails naturally thrive in various towns across Luhe. Therefore, it’s not difficult to enjoy them while in Luhe.