By BOBBY HUEN
What Are Gooseneck Barnacles And How Can You Eat Them?
Gooseneck barnacles might resemble outer-space aliens, but they are actually a crustacean. Their distinct taste has made them a delicacy in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Canada.
Around 3 inches long, they live in the northeastern Atlantic, where they anchor themselves to rocks with their muscular stalks and filter seawater through feathery feet to feed.
Harvested by hand during low tide, gooseneck barnacles require special tools to remove them from rocks. It's a perilous task, claiming an average of five lives per year in Spain.
Their muscular stalks taste like a mix of sweet razor clams, mussels, oysters, and lobster. Steaming them in white wine, chili, lemon, and herbs is a popular cooking method.
In Spain, gooseneck barnacles are often briefly steamed in saltwater until the “skin” of the stalk can be cleanly removed from the meat.
Gooseneck barnacles are rich in protein and low in fat, and contain many beneficial minerals and vitamins, making them an intriguing and nutritious choice for seafood lovers.