Lingkun Clams

Lingkun Clams

　　　　Product Name: Lingkun Clams

　　　　Alias: Flower Clams

　　　　Place of Origin: Wenzhou

　　　　Product Features: Delicious flesh, rich in nutrition

　　　　Product Introduction: Clams are a common type of bivalve found along China’s coastal tidal flats. They belong to the phylum Mollusca, class Bivalvia, order Eulamellibranchia, family Veneridae, and genus Meretrix. Their shells are roughly triangular, with rounded ventral edges, thick and sturdy shells, equal-sized valves, rich and attractive patterns, and snow-white flesh like jade. They thrive in sandy beaches near inner bays and estuaries where freshwater flows in. Lingkun clams have a delicate and fresh flavor and are highly nutritious, making them a premium variety among shellfish. They contain 10% protein, 1.2% fat, 2.5% carbohydrates, as well as various amino acids and vitamins that are easily absorbed by the human body, along with essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. They are a major focus of the marine aquaculture industry in Lingkun. Currently, the clam farming area on Lingkun Island covers 2,100 mu, with an annual yield of 600 tons. In 1996, 400 tons were exported to Japan, generating foreign exchange earnings of 7 million yuan. Clams belong to the phylum Mollusca, class Bivalvia, family Veneridae. In Japanese supermarkets, they are a rationed food item. On the traditional "Hinamatsuri" or Girls' Day celebrated on the third day of the third month, colorful clams are an essential gift. The entire clam is valuable — its beautiful shell can be used to make shell carving crafts, serve as a container for clam oil, and as a raw material for producing high-grade cement, and it can also be used as a culture medium for nori (seaweed) filaments. The clam flesh has lactation-promoting and detoxifying properties; applying fresh clam meat externally to boils or using it to treat conjunctivitis yields excellent therapeutic effects. There are many ways to enjoy clams — they can be quickly stir-fried over high heat, steamed, or made into delicious, fluffy, and non-greasy clam cakes.

　　　　Product History: During the Tang Dynasty, they were once an imperial tribute seafood delicacy. Since ancient times, many emperors, generals, literati, and poets have praised the delicious taste of clams in their writings. After tasting clams, Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty acclaimed them as the “best delicacy under heaven.” Lingkun clams, a treasured shellfish, are hailed as the “best delicacy under heaven.” Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they also possess high dietary and medicinal value. According to Li Shizhen’s *Compendium of Materia Medica*, clams can treat "boils, swelling, eliminate masses, relieve alcohol intoxication, and dispel toxins." Modern research shows that clams have the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, and resolving phlegm, and they exhibit a significant inhibitory effect on liver cancer. They are both popular among domestic consumers and a major seafood export for earning foreign exchange. In addition to traditional processing methods, clams can also be made into canned products and health supplements. Clam farming requires low investment, low cost, high yield, and good returns, making it an excellent variety worth promoting.

　　　　Clam farming in China has a history of more than a thousand years, but rapid development began after the liberation, especially since the reform and opening-up. With the growing international demand for Chinese clams, the domestic clam farming industry has also seen rapid growth. Clam farming in our city started in 1973. Lingkun Island in Lucheng District was the first place in our province to engage in clam farming. Currently, the clam farming area in this district exceeds 20,000 mu, with an annual production of over 10,000 tons, making it the largest clam farming base in the province. The clams produced here are highly favored by foreign merchants for their vibrant color and high plumpness, enjoying an excellent reputation in the international market.