Lumaca Madonita, gourmet snail born in Sicily

It was 2006, when three young entrepreneurs decided to breed some specimens of autochthonous snails collected in the wild, with a species imported from France. Thus, almost by accident, Lumaca Madonita is born.
Today, the breeding of Lumaca Madonita is one of the largest productions in Italy, with 40,000 square meters and over 1400 farms working in collaboration with Italian and international breeders. Certified Italian Excellence winner, and recipient of numerous awards for innovation, the company sells about 150,000 kg of snails per year.
Its success is mainly due to respect for the rhythms of nature, which cannot be forced. The Snail Madonita is fed exclusively with organic vegetables and raised in a protected habitat: a microclimate that only the unspoiled nature of Sicily and the Madonie can offer.

With a decade of experience behind him, Davide Merlino, Giuseppe and Michele Sansone personally take care of the breeding management, the training of new breeders and company communication. The Madonita method was born from years of study, thanks to which the three friends have created a mix of unique elements, considered more important than any other method experimented until then. Their goal was to be able to produce a large quantity of snails in a short time, maintaining high quality standards. This is how Lumaca Madonita has been a leader in the helicopter industry for over 10 years.

The developed method foresees two production cycles, one in summer and one in winter: starting from the analysis of the earth and water, through the working of the land and the sowing of vegetables, up to the collection and purging. Through these phases, the snails are produced in about 9 months, acquiring the organoleptic and nutritive properties that characterize them.
From the French escargots, to the Sicilian babbaluci, shellfish harvested for food often grow in the wild and can therefore hide risks for the consumer. The consumption of farmed snails is instead beneficial, given their controlled development in uncontaminated soils.
The Madonita range includes four species of snails, whose meat is rich in proteins, phosphorus and magnesium. They stand out for their unique flavour, which combines a delicate flavour with the robustness of wild notes.

In addition, from the snails are obtained some essential elements for the creation of innovative gastronomic products. The Pearls of the Madonie, for example, often called “snail caviar”. Snail Madonita is the first producer in Italy (and the fifth in the world) of these precious eggs, used by numerous starred chefs for the creation of signature dishes. This is the case of Carlo Cracco, who has included this ingredient in the menu of his restaurant in Milan.
In addition to the production of gourmet sauces and pates, made according to traditional Sicilian recipes, the company also plays a fundamental role in the cosmetic sector. Putting into years of research, snail slime is used for making face creams. This precious serum possesses in fact moisturizing, emollient, cicatrizing and anti-wrinkle properties.

In addition, Lumaca Madonita offers support to those who want to try their hand at snail breeding. In fact, it supplies materials for snail-breeders and becomes a partner in the design of new breeding farms, guaranteeing the purchase of production and engaging in training courses. In this way, the company aims to satisfy the growing demand of the product, always ensuring the highest quality.