Aripuros

Edible shells from Palawan. Photo of aripuros by Angie Pastor.

In various Philippine languages, the word aripuros refers to a whirlpool or something of that sort, where there is a circular movement or shape. It is easy to surmise that in this case, the shape of the shells must have given rise to its appellation.

To boil aripuros shells, follow these steps:

1. 1. Preparation: Start by soaking the aripuros shells in water for a few hours or overnight. This helps to loosen any debris inside the shells.
   2. Boiling: Place the soaked shells in a large pot and cover them with water. Ensure there is enough water to fully submerge the shells.
   3. Heat: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Allow the shells to boil for about 5 to 10 minutes. The boiling time may vary depending on the quantity and size of the shells; larger or more numerous shells may require a longer boiling time.
   4. Removing Shells: After boiling, use tongs to carefully remove each shell from the pot, placing them on a soft surface like a towel to cool down.
   5. Cleaning: Once cooled, you can use tweezers or another tool to extract any remaining gunk from inside the shells.

This method not only cleans the shells but also makes them safe for consumption if you plan to eat them in dishes like ginataang aripuros (aripuros in coconut cream) or other seafood recipes.