Common Name:
Common Periwinkle
(also known locally as Burrié / Sea Snail)
Scientific Name:
Littorina littorea (Linnaeus, 1758)
Reproduction:
Annual reproduction — the species has regular spawning cycles.
Harvesting Areas:
Mid-shore rocky areas of the North Atlantic — found along coastal zones with hard substrates suitable for attachment.
Packaging:
Live product
Live seafood transport boxes — 1 kg, 2 kg or 5 kg
Size:
Small — the shell reaches approximately 3 cm when fully grown.
The common periwinkle is a marine gastropod with a small, compact, conical univalve shell, typically grey or dark in colour, sometimes displaying black bands or spots, especially in younger specimens. It may also show pale greenish tones with subtle striping.
The shell features fine, regular longitudinal ridges, and the lip of the aperture forms a characteristic angle with the final whorl, aiding identification.
It inhabits the mid-shore zone, adhering to rocks and hard substrates in coastal areas exposed to wave action and tidal movement. It feeds by grazing, scraping algae and micro-organisms from rock surfaces — making it a herbivorous and detritivorous mollusc that feeds on algae and suspended organic particles.
In gastronomy, the common periwinkle is appreciated for its pronounced marine flavour and firm texture once cooked. Although small, its meat has an intense taste of the sea, making it a traditional seafood snack among enthusiasts. When sold and consumed live, it guarantees maximum freshness and is best prepared with simple boiling in salted water to preserve its natural flavour.
