I've just gone through a Meso assemblage from a site we're digging up
in Northumberland. Dogwhelks make up 71% of the current assemblage.
The other species on the whole are small and or colourful (such as
flat periwinkles, cowries, topshell) but there are a few edible and
rough periwinkles and a few limpets. As one of the cowries appears to
be perforated as well I think that most of the shells are being
collected for aesthetics rather than food but I'm just wondering
whether anyone has any experience of, or knows any references
regarding eating the dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus? This seems to be a
problem frequently encountered when dealing with shell assemblages
and there are many other sites where this species can be found in
substantial numbers. I know it can be used for dye but I think you
would expect to find the shell crushed if this was the case. The only
things I have read or heard about the dogwhelk regarding consumption
is that they are completely unpalatable and even fish won't take them
as bait.
Jim, perhaps you'd have another look in Mrs Beeton for me?!
Nicky
Dr Nicky Milner
Sir James Knott Research Fellow
Dept. of Archaeology
University of Newcastle
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE1 7RU
0191 222 5754 (office)
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