Dong'e Yellow River Carp

Dong'e Yellow River Carp

Dong'e Yellow River Carp is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Dong'e Yellow River Carp is a specialty of Dong'e County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. Known for its three distinctive features—"golden scales, crimson tail, and sleek, elongated body with graceful swimming posture"—as well as its tender, delicious, and nutritious flesh, it is hailed as the finest of Yellow River carp. Dong'e Yellow River Carp is a nationally protected geographical indication agricultural product.

　　With a 57-kilometer stretch along the Yellow River, Dong'e County enjoys unique geographical advantages as one of the native habitats of Yellow River carp. The germplasm resources of the Yellow River carp have been well preserved, making it one of the major production areas in China.

　　The county has made great efforts to protect the germplasm resources of Yellow River carp. Leveraging its proximity to the river, it places high importance on the development of the Yellow River carp industry. With over 20,000 mu of aquaculture water area, more than 600 households engaged in carp farming, an annual output of 15,000 tons, and an annual output value of 420 million yuan, it has become a leading national producer of Yellow River carp.

　　Dong'e Yellow River Carp is celebrated as the finest of Yellow River carp for its "golden scales, crimson tail, and sleek, elongated body with graceful swimming posture," as well as its tender, delicious, and nutritious flesh. The local government places strong emphasis on the development of the Yellow River carp industry and has introduced a series of preferential policies. This has led to the formation of an integrated industrial system centered around high-quality Yellow River carp, encompassing germplasm protection, breeding, farming, research, distribution, catering, leisure, and culture. The China Fisheries Association has named Dong'e County the "Hometown of Chinese Yellow River Carp."

　　In 2013, "Dong'e Yellow River Carp," applied for by the Xiuxiu Aquaculture Cooperative in Dong'e County, passed the review of the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and expert evaluation, and was granted national geographical indication agricultural product registration and protection.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected geographic area of Dong'e Yellow River Carp covers Dong'e County, Shandong Province. It spans 52.5 kilometers from north to south and 24.5 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of 728 square kilometers. The county administers eight towns—Daqiao, Yaozhai, Chenji, Gaoji, Niujiaodian, Yushan, Jianglou, and Liuji—and two subdistrict offices—Tongcheng and Xincheng. Its geographical coordinates are: 36°07′–36°33′ N latitude and 116°02′–116°33′ E longitude.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Slender body shape, with a body length to height ratio of over 3, and equal length and height of the caudal peduncle; golden-yellow scales on the body sides, orange-red anal fin, caudal peduncle, and lower lobe of the caudal fin, and orange-yellow pectoral and ventral fins. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Due to its unique water system and water quality, it contains various essential amino acids for humans as well as trace elements such as phosphorus, calcium, and iron, making it highly nutritious. Its internal quality indicators are: 17.6–18.3 grams of protein, 4.2–5.0 grams of fat, 7.9–8.6 milligrams of calcium, 175–184 milligrams of phosphorus, and 1.8–2.1 milligrams of iron per 100 grams of fish meat. When stewed plainly, the flesh is tender, with clear texture and as white as jade; it emits a delicate aroma, offers a smooth texture and delicious taste, and the soup is bright in color. 3. Safety Requirements: The production environment of Dong'e Yellow River Carp must comply with the "Environmental Requirements for Pollution-Free Aquatic Product Production Areas" (GB/T18407.4-2001), and the product quality must meet the "Safety Requirements for Pollution-Free Aquatic Products" (GB18406.4-2001). Products that fall under the circumstances specified in Article 33 of the "Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law" may not be sold on the market.