Research > Rainforest > Snail farming

Locally known as “churo”, the Pomacea maculata snail is native to the Amazon rainforest, where it grows in wetlands during rainy season. Amazonian snail farming provides one of the healthiest protein food sources in Madre de Dios–a region where fish are exposed to high levels of mercury due to alluvial mining. Additionally, its meat is high in protein (21.26%) and low in fat (0.86%).

Through a strategic partnership with the Innóvate Perú program (Ministry of Production) and Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios (UNAMAD), Inkaterra Asociación is developing a sustainable business model based on Amazonian snail farming and meat processing.

The initiative encourages breeding and consumption of Amazonian snails among local families, as a means to recover a key ingredient for a healthy diet. Inkaterra Asociación also aims to develop gastronomic tourism in the Amazon region by supplying this product to restaurants and lodges.

A cookbook by Inkaterra’s formerly corporate chef Rafael Casin, including 15 recipes based on Amazonian snails as the main ingredient, has been recently published.