The largest free-range snail farm in Denmark
Photo: Stine BidstrupMy snail farm from a birds view |
Nordic Snails is Denmark's largest farm with locally produced edible snails, exclusively bred on free-range by the city of Roskilde (30 km from Copenhagen) under controlled conditions.
I am the entrepreneur Ditte Ankjærgaard, who lives in Roskilde and loves snails. I am a big proponent of sustainable food, circular production and tasty locally produced ingredients. Snails are an alternative to other meats. It is very tasty, high in protein and low in fat. When I first heard about this type of farming, I was fully engaged and went all-in on the idea. Free-range production of snails is new in Denmark. Several countries in Europe have opened their eyes to breeding edible snails, including UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, so why not in Denmark as well? In 2016, I started developing a prototype of a farm concept and in 2017 I had my first herd. The snail I breed is called Voldsnegl (in Danish) and is often called the "little brother" of Bourgogne snail, which is more commonly known in Denmark. The snail is smaller, nicely tender in the flesh and is well suited for a Danish farm production, as it can reach adult size in just half a year. Exactly 5-5½ month from May to October. In October 2017, I had my first "harvest" of snails, which I have focused on selling to restaurants. During 2020, we developed a retail product, tapas-snails on can with different flavors, that can be found on the shelves of high end supermarkets and delicacy shops. The breeding of snails takes place on a square of land where horses have grazed for decades. The farm is built for organic farming, but does not have yet the status of organic. The farm is located by a protected march area, field and forest. In the end of April, new small snails are released on the free-range farm. Here, they are well fed throughout the summer until they are ready for "harvest" in October. The farm concept is French and has been further developed in England. Now it has reached Denmark, where I have opened the first farm, with the help of my English mentor. She has developed and refined products for 6 years for gastronomy, restaurants and retail. Nordic Snails can offer products of the same high quality. My edible snails are uniquely tender and juicy - you must try them if you have taste buds for gourmet snails! |
Danske Frilandssnegle ApS
Bakkedraget 30
4000 Roskilde, Denmark
+45 23 98 93 01
info[a]nordicsnails.com
Bakkedraget 30
4000 Roskilde, Denmark
+45 23 98 93 01
info[a]nordicsnails.com
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