CASCINAHelix Aspersa Maxima is the commercial name by which many customers recognize the snail raised by Cascina Bruno: rustic, suitable for gastronomy and also protagonist of the extraction of bava.
A cycle linked to the seasons
At Elice we raise snails outdoors. We prepare the fences in summer, we sow useful vegetation to create shade and humidity and we follow the growth without artificially forcing the seasonal rhythm.
With the cold the activity slows down; the rise in temperatures brings the snails back into movement and opens the final phase of growth.
Habitat and nutrition
Beets, cabbage, clover and other plants contribute to the habitat. Controlled plant nutrition, humidity, shade and cleanliness of the enclosures work together: no single element is enough on its own.
During the visit we show the difference between shelter vegetation and feeding, a point that often surprises those who see the farm for the first time.
What does “broadband” mean?
Before harvesting we observe the edge of the shell: it must be formed, hard and complete. It is a practical indication of commercial maturity together with size and general conditions.
After harvesting, the snails intended for gastronomy are purged and managed for sale; those involved in the extraction return to the habitat after the process.
One species, multiple supply chains
The same agricultural activity supports gastronomy, cosmetics and supplements. This requires separate paths, controls and specific transformations: a live snail is not a cosmetic and cosmetic slime is a raw material to be treated according to dedicated rules.
Visiting the company helps to concretely understand these differences, much more than an isolated photograph.
Visits and tastings
Olive grove, breeding, MullerOne and tasting of the oils.
Book the visitFrequently asked questions
Is Helix Aspersa Maxima suitable for the kitchen?
Yes, it is also bred for gastronomic use and can be sold alive already purged.
Does it always live outdoors?
On our farm the main cycle takes place in outdoor enclosures following the seasons.
What does the edged shell indicate?
A hard and complete edge is one of the signs observed for commercial maturity.
Are the snails used for slime damaged?
Our process MullerOne is organized to preserve them and bring them back to the farm after extraction.
How this guide was prepared: contents, photographs and indications derive from the documented activities of Cascina Bruno in Elice. Text published on 16 April 2026; last revised 25 August 2026.