Escargot is a type of snail that has been eaten as a delicacy since ancient times. It is often eaten with butter and parsley, garlic, or bread. These small snails have many different names including American escargolet or European escargot which can be found in the United States and Europe respectively.
If you enjoy the taste of escargot, you may wonder if you can freeze any that you have leftover.
Yes, you can freeze escargot. It’s recommended to freeze escargot. Freezing makes the snails more tender and flavorful! Make sure to freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Escargot that is properly stored will last for up to 1 year in the freezer.
Does Escargot Freeze Well?
Yes, escargot freezes well. Like most shellfish, it can be frozen without any problems.
The escargot will need to be kept in an airtight container or freezer bag. This will prevent the shellfish from getting freezer burn.
How To Freeze Escargot
There are many different ways to freeze escargot. However, the simplest and quickest way is to freeze them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Escargot is easy to freeze because they are soft and delicate.
Step 1: Remove their outer shells first.
Step 2: Place the frozen escargots on a rack in the freezer so that they don’t touch each other.
Step 3: Freeze them overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Step 4: Once the escargots are completely frozen, remove them from the freezer.
Step 5: Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, press on it to remove any excess air before sealing it.
Step 6: Label the container or bag and place it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Escargot?
Escargot is a type of snail meat typically served in France. It is a delicacy that people love to eat. It is loved by all and can be frozen for a short period of time and then cooked later.
The shelf life for these frozen escargots varies based on the type of escargot you are freezing and how you freeze it.
The freezing point for an individual snail is at -3 degrees Celsius (-26 Fahrenheit) so if you freeze them at this temperature, they will last up to 1 years when stored properly in a freezer.
How Do You Defrost Escargot?
The problem with thawing escargot is that it dries out quickly.
The best way to thaw the frozen escargot without drying them out or breaking their texture too much is by microwaving them for about five minutes on high-medium heat.
Once thawed, the escargots should be simmered or boiled for about 10 minutes and served with garlic butter and parsley.
Can You Refreeze Escargot?
Many people think that freezing and refreezing escargot will kill it, but this is not true.
Escargot can be frozen and refrozen safely. However, the escargot should not be completely thawed. Freezing them again will not affect the taste or texture of the escargots.
Other Questions about Escargot
What is the difference between escargots and snails?
Although they are both gastropods, there is a significant difference between these two creatures.
Snails move very slowly. They can only move a few inches a day at the most. On the other hand, escargot can move fast and have a long life span.
Escargots have a coiled shell while snails have a spiral shell. Snails are invertebrates that have a soft body covered with a smooth shell. They have no teeth or bones and have an opening in their mouth that is used for breathing.
In addition, escargots live in saltwater while snails live in freshwater.
Can you reuse escargot shells?
Yes, escargot shells can be reused more than once, just as long as they aren’t cracked yet.
Simply place the shells into hot water with some vinegar added. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then scoop the shells and place them in the colander to cool before using them.