Whelk

Known as buccin (France), buccina (Italy), bocina (Spain).

A whelk is a large marine snail, with a ribbed, deeply whorled shell. They are often eaten in the same way as winkles - boiled, coated in vinegar and served as a seaside snack. Although the meat is much tougher than a winkle, it has an excellent flavour and provides a far more substantial mouthful.

Whelk soup is particularly popular on the Scottish island of Iona, where seasoned whelk stock is thickened with oatmeal and finely chopped onion.