The conch (pronounced conk) is a frequent sight at meals in the Florida Keys, particularly Key West. Conchs are large marine mollusks that come in several types. They are found in the Caribbean and western Atlantic and are plentiful in the Keys. Conch meat is prized by many throughout the region, and tourists often collect their shells, especially the pink-rimmed ones.
The conch is much more than a food in Key West. It is a symbol of their freewheeling life and strong sense of independence. To you, a conch may be a huge snail, but to the conch people, it’s a way of life.
While in the Keys, do not dishonor the conch.
The “Conch” People
Key West has adopted the queen conch as its symbol, and the people sometimes call themselves “conchs.” It’s a vital part of local lore and should be treated as such.
The name first applied to Anglo-Bahamians who frequently had conch on the menu. In fact, it was a mainstay of their diet. Many of this group emigrated to Key West in the 19th century, bringing the nickname with them.
Natives of Key West are known as Saltwater Conchs while non-natives, with at least seven years of residence, are known as Fresh Water Conchs. The name must be earned and newbies should not attempt to use it.
Key West residents are so enamored of the conch that it is the school mascot of Key West High School.
The Conch Republic
In 1982, the U.S. Border Patrol decided to up its drug enforcement and immigration control efforts in the Keys. They set up a checkpoint between the Keys and the Florida mainland, stopping and searching vehicles for illegal activity. The residents were outraged by this treatment and felt they were being treated as a foreign land instead of part of the U.S.
They responded by seceding from the Union and establishing a new country called the Conch Republic. To make their point further, the citizens declared war against the U.S. They surrendered after one minute, but did ask for one billion dollars in foreign aid.
Conch Preservation
Conch live in several habitats, and among them are on or below coral reefs. The Western Sambo Ecological Reserve protects diverse habitats in the Lower Keys. The area is home to bank reefs, patch reefs, and spur-and-groove formations. The reserve begins just beyond the sandy beaches and salt ponds found near the Boca Chica Naval Air Station. This reserve protects conch habitats as well as crabs, sea cucumbers, sand dollar, surgeonfish, striped parrotfish, and dozens of other species. This reserve is essential to maintaining the Keys’ way of life.
Key West residents take an active interest in protecting their cherished island and the bountiful sea life that surrounds it. You might say they are ferocious in their guardianship. They enjoy a unique way of life that they fiercely protect, and they expect visitors to respect their efforts.
Conch Cuisine
Delicious dishes made with conch are a huge part of Key West cuisine. Some of the well-known restaurants serving conch include the following:
- Louie’s Backyard – Located in a Victorian home listed on the National Register, Louie’s provides exquisite ambiance and delicious dishes such as Bahamian conch chowder with bird pepper hot sauce, coconut conch ceviche, and conch fritters with hot pepper jelly and wasabi. Address: 700 Waddell Avenue, Key West.
- Conch Republic Seafood Company – The Conch Republic was constructed using salvaged materials from an old sponge warehouse. It contains two huge saltwater aquariums filled with marine invertebrates from the area. The restaurant strives to be eco-friendly as it serves delicious food such as cracked conch, tempura battered and flash-fried, served with orange horseradish marmalade. This spot is a favorite of locals and tourists. Address: 631 Greene Street, Key West.
- The Conch Shack – This street-side cafe lets you enjoy the Key West food while soaking up the local vibe. You can feast on a cracked conch with Key lime aioli and a spicy pink sauce. Or enjoy their version of conch fritters. If you are lucky, the servers will teach you to blow on a conch shell, a skill you can demonstrate when you return home. Address: 118 Duval Street, Key West.
Conch Culture
A cultural legacy built around a giant snail-like creature sounds humorous, but residents of the Keys are not laughing. They love their conch history, their conch mascots, and their conch food. And if you endanger this lifestyle in any way, they will take action. After all, they briefly established The Conch Nation to prove their point. They are an important part of the United States, and they demand to be recognized as such.
They consider being a Conch an honor, so be aware if you visit the Keys for tourist attractions. Today, the conch culture is celebrated with the Conch Republic Independence Celebration and conch-blowing contests. Treat the conch as a beloved symbol of the people and their traditions.
Author Bio: This guest post is from Emalee Brannon. Emalee is a 22-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran, currently working with Digital PR on behalf of Key West’s own Key West Tiki Boat. She takes pride in sharing her extensive knowledge of Key West, which has been a cherished vacation destination for her family across generations. She hopes to share the rich history and her knowledge about the island and inspire others to take the trip themselves.
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