Mytella charruana

Such is the importance of charru mussels for the gastronomic culture of Alagoas that, in December 2014, the small mollusk became an Intangible Heritage of that state. In Bahia, it also enjoys great popularity: it is considered an aphrodisiac and, combined with dried shrimp, coconut milk and dende oil, appears on the menu of botecos and beach kiosks as Caldinho de sururu (charru mussel broth). Other regions of the country, like Espírito Santo, enjoy the mollusk in moquecas (fish stews).