Soft-shelled Turtle from Baiyun Lake

Soft-shelled Turtle from Baiyun Lake

Soft-shelled Turtle from Baiyun Lake is a product with geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Soft-shelled Turtle from Baiyun Lake: “Returning late after boating on Baiyun Lake” is one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Zhangqiu.” Throughout history, literati and poets either rowed boats here or drank and composed poetry, leaving behind many elegant verses. It can be said to be rich in cultural heritage and steeped in history. The soft-shelled turtle is one of the main aquatic products of Baiyun Lake. With its plump body and delicious taste, it is considered a top-tier delicacy when hosting guests in Zhangqiu. Products of Baiyun Lake soft-shelled turtles are characterized by: thin shells with large flippers, thick skirting, bright color; strong physique, agile movement, and wild vigor; high content of protein and inosinic acid, resulting in an especially delicious taste.

　　Soft-shelled Turtle from Baiyun Lake

　　Geographical Scope

　　The soft-shelled turtles from Baiyun Lake are mainly distributed throughout Baiyunhu Town, Zhangqiu City, Shandong Province, covering 22 administrative villages including Zhengjiamatou, Gaoqiao, Kaohelin, Zhangjiazhuang, Hanjiamatou, Gaojia, Qijia, Huangjiatang, Lijiamatou, Xiaohunan, Shiheng, Shihengbei, Shihengxi, Shihengdong, E'nügou, Baiyun, Niumatou, Zhangli, Chenjia, Sujiamatou, Yangjiazhuangnan, and Yangjiazhuangbei. The geographical coordinates are: 117°18′—117°27′ east longitude and 36°49′—36°56′ north latitude, with a total area of 56.04 square kilometers, water area of 18,000 mu, and an annual yield of 200 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Baiyun Lake soft-shelled turtles have small heads and pointed snouts, thin shells with large flippers, wide skirting, sharp and long claws, strong physique, and agile movement. Their shells are glossy, with the carapace being earthy yellow or yellow-green and the plastron light yellow. After being stewed, the meat is firm and the broth is bright and fragrant. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: The meat of Baiyun Lake soft-shelled turtles is delicious and nutritious. Its internal quality indicators are: protein content in muscle ≥18.5g/100g, inosinic acid ≥0.14mg/g, calcium ≥126.0mg/kg, zinc ≥24.5mg/kg, phosphorus ≥89.0mg/100g. 3. Safety Requirements: The production environment of Baiyun Lake soft-shelled turtles must comply with the “Requirements for the Environment of Non-polluted Aquatic Product Production Areas for Agricultural Product Safety Quality” (GB/T18407.4-2001) and the “Water Quality for Freshwater Aquaculture of Non-polluted Food” (NY5051-2001); the product quality must meet the “Non-polluted Food Turtles and Soft-shelled Turtles” (NY5066-2006). 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.