Periwinkles are sea foods. They are mainly eaten in the South-South areas of Nigeria. Many women prefer to cook with unshelled periwinkle because it is easier to wash.
However to use unshelled periwinkle in your soup, the ‘ear’ should be removed so that it does not stick to your gum and make you feel uncomfortable during or after eating.
To use shelled periwinkle especially in your soup, Epankukwo or any other type of dish you want, it must be properly washed.
There are two easy ways to clean shelled periwinkle. The first way is to:
- Pour shelled periwinkle with the bottom already cut off into a plastic bowl and wash in circular motion under a running tap.
- Do this as many times as possible to reduce dirt’s and sediments.
- Then wash a handful at a time and put into another bowl.
- Pour enough water to cover the periwinkles and add a good amount of salt.
- Leave for about 10- 15 minutes after which you will notice some dirt’s floating on the surface
- Drain water and wash periwinkles again under running water.
- Then your shelled periwinkle is clean and ready to be used.
The second way is to properly wash shelled periwinkle under running water in a circular motion. Then, put in a pot, add salt and boil for about 10 minutes, and drain water. Add the periwinkle as the last ingredient to your cooking since it is already boiled.
