Gooseneck Barnacles of the Azores

The Gooseneck Barnacles (Thoracica) are crustaceans from the Cirripede family, which, until the mid-18th century, were mistakenly considered a type of mollusk. In the Azores, you can find a strong presence of barnacles and also taste this delicacy.

Made of calcium, the barnacle develops fixed to rocks, where it attaches after birth (around 4 months). It feeds on organic matter suspended in the water through its flexible appendages.

(C) Patrícia Cheio – Food With A Meaning

They are usually found at depths of 10 to 15 meters (some reaching up to 30 meters) and are harvested along the coast through free diving (3 to 10 meters).

The Gooseneck Barnacles in the Azores are served as a snack on the seafood menu of various restaurants. A unique delicacy that you can savor during your stay in the Azores.

(C) Patrícia Cheio – Food With A Meaning

(C) Patrícia Cheio – Food With A Meaning

Recipe for Preparing Gooseneck Barnacles from the Azores

Ingredients

• Gooseneck Barnacles;
• Sea water;
• Onion;
• 1 bunch of parsley;
• 1 clove of garlic;
• Chili pepper;

Preparation

• Select the barnacles, setting aside the damaged ones;
• Remove any loose calcium that is suspended;
• Wash them gently with sea water and set them aside;
• Quarter the onion, crush the garlic, and set both aside;
• Place a pot on the stove covered with sea water and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, add all the ingredients to the pot and let it boil for another 15 minutes. After this time, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the barnacles and let them cool. Serve them cold.

To taste the barnacles, you should remove the crustacean from inside using a small hook. The water inside the barnacle complements the crustacean, giving it a unique flavor.

Video

References:

• Traditional Portuguese Products
• Patrícia Cheio – Food With A Meaning (Image)