Seafood
raw whelk.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeKosher
ALSO KNOWN AS
sea snail
SERVING
CALORIES
137
PROTEIN
23.8g
CARBS
7.8g
FAT
0.40g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories137kcal—
Protein23.8g48%
Carbohydrates7.8g3%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat0.40g1%
Saturated fat0.03g0%
Cholesterol65mg22%
Water66g—
MINERALS
Sodium206mg9%
Potassium347mg7%
Calcium57mg4%
Iron5.0mg28%
Magnesium86mg20%
Phosphorus141mg11%
Zinc1.6mg15%
Copper1.0mg114%
Manganese0.45mg20%
Selenium44.8µg81%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A26µg3%
Vitamin C4.0mg4%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E0.13mg1%
Vitamin K0.10µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.03mg3%
Riboflavin (B2)0.11mg8%
Niacin (B3)1.1mg7%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.21mg4%
Vitamin B60.34mg20%
Folate (B9)6.0µg2%
Vitamin B129.1µg378%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup145g
1 tablespoon9.1g
1 teaspoon3g
1 ml0.6g
1 liter604.2g
1 piece25g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth.
- ✓Rich in essential minerals like iron for oxygen transport, magnesium for nerve function, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
- ✓High in Vitamin B12, which supports nerve health and the formation of red blood cells.
- ✓Contains Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart and brain health.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Before cooking, purge live whelks by soaking them in cold, salted water for a few hours to expel sand and grit.
- 2Boil or steam whelks for 10-20 minutes depending on size. Avoid overcooking, as the meat will become tough and rubbery.
- 3After cooking, use a small fork or skewer to extract the meat from the shell. Be sure to remove and discard the hard, disc-like operculum (trapdoor).
- 4The cooked meat is versatile and can be sliced for salads, pickled, added to seafood chowders, or stir-fried with garlic and herbs.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store live whelks in the refrigerator in an open container covered with a damp cloth for up to 2 days. Do not store them in water.
- Cooked, shelled whelk meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For long-term storage, cooked whelk meat can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is raw whelk healthy?
Yes, raw whelk is a highly nutritious seafood choice. It is an excellent source of lean protein, providing nearly 24g per 100g, and is rich in essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium, which support immune and nerve function.
How many calories and protein are in whelk?
A 100g serving of raw whelk contains approximately 137 calories and 23.84g of protein. This high protein-to-calorie ratio makes it an exceptional food for muscle repair and growth.
Is whelk good for weight loss?
Whelk is very effective for weight loss diets because it is extremely low in fat (0.4g per 100g) and high in protein. The high protein content promotes satiety, helping you feel full longer while consuming relatively few calories.
Is whelk keto-friendly?
Whelk can be included in a keto diet, but with caution. Unlike many other meats, it contains about 7.76g of carbohydrates per 100g, so you must track the portion size to stay within your daily carb limits.
Is whelk gluten-free and vegan?
Raw whelk is naturally gluten-free. However, it is not vegan or vegetarian as it is a species of sea snail and therefore an animal product.
How do you prepare and cook raw whelk?
First, scrub the shells and soak them in salted water to remove grit. They are most commonly boiled in salted water or a flavored broth for 5 to 10 minutes; once cooked, the meat is pulled from the shell using a small fork or pick.
What does whelk taste like?
Whelk has a sweet, briny flavor similar to a cross between a clam and a scallop. Its texture is notably firm and chewy, though it can become rubbery if overcooked.
How do you store fresh whelk?
Store live whelks in the refrigerator in an open bowl covered with a damp cloth to keep them moist. Do not store them in airtight containers or submerged in fresh water, and aim to cook them within 24 to 48 hours.
How can you tell if raw whelk is fresh?
Fresh whelks should smell like clean sea water and never like ammonia. If the whelk is alive, the 'foot' should retract into the shell when touched; discard any that have a strong odor or do not react to touch.
Can you eat whelk raw?
While technically possible in some preparations like sashimi, whelk is rarely eaten completely raw because the meat is very tough. Most recipes involve at least a brief blanching or boiling to improve the texture and ensure food safety.
