Lanshan Shrimp

Lanshan Shrimp

　　With a golden color, hook-like shape, and delicious taste, it is known as "Golden Hook Shrimp" and is considered the finest among shrimp products, being one of the seafood delicacies of Lanshan. "Golden Hook Shrimp" is made from the woolly shrimp caught in the waters of Lanshan. The woolly shrimp has thin skin and a flat body, hence it is also called "Flat Shrimp."

　　Flat Shrimp is rich in nutrients and has a delicious flavor. Its protein and vitamin content are 20% and 40% higher, respectively, than that of river shrimp. It is also abundant in Vitamin E and iodine, making it highly nutritious and an excellent choice for banquets. Additionally, Flat Shrimp has good medicinal and tonic properties. According to *Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica*, "Eating it can nourish kidney function and enhance virility; crushing fresh sea shrimp into paste and taking it with yellow wine can promote lactation."

　　Woolly shrimp is a perennial species, growing 5 to 9 centimeters in length. It is distributed along the coast of Rizhao, with larger quantities found in the sea areas near Taoluo Town in Donggang District and Hushan Town in Lanshan District. From May to July each year, large woolly shrimp gather in groups to spawn in the shallow sea, making this period the peak fishing season. The processing of Flat Shrimp is done manually, with freshness being the top priority. The annual production is around 80,000 to 100,000 kilograms.

　　Source: Text / Photos / Hushan Town