Identikit and main features
The snails of Borgo San Dalmazzo belong to the Apine Helix pomatia specie and they are collected in the mountain areas. They are generally bigger than other snails: 65-70mm high, 50-55mm diameter and 50-60 g weight. To be breed they have to be fed with mountain herbs, because it is only thanks to this particular diet that they become bigger than the others. For the same reason the taste depends on the nourishment they received.
Area of production
The area of production includes the Maritime Alps, from the Pesio Valley to the Maira one and, in particular, all the valleys around Borgo San Dalmazzo.
History
Every year Borgo San Dalmazzo hosts the “Fiera Fredda”. It was created in 1569 thanks to the approval of Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, who appreciated the local snails. In the same town, at the beginning of the ‘70s, it was founded the first centre of helicicolture, which contributes to the preservation of the Helix Pomatia specie. The collection and fattening activities has always been a profitable activity for the mountain populations.
