Percebes

Percebes, which are known as goose barnacles in English, are unusual looking crustaceans that are usually attached to the surface of the rocks or floating items in the sea. They have a long rubbery stem (neck), which they use to attach to objects, and a white, triangular head.

The meat, which is often described as briny and sweet, is placed inside the neck. Percebes are traditionally enjoyed in the Spanish Galicia and the coastal areas in Portugal. They are usually only briefly cooked in salted water and come served on plates, but they can also be steamed, grilled, or eaten raw.

It is recommended to enjoy them plain, preferably warm. Because they are considered a delicacy and are quite dangerous to harvest, percebes usually come with a hefty price tag, though the price varies based on their availability. In Spain, their prices typically fluctuate between fifty up to one hundred euros per kilo, but sometimes it can even reach astronomical numbers of two hundred euros.

The unusual English name for these crustaceans originates from ancient times when people believed that barnacle geese hatch from percebes.