Rizhao Large Razor Clams

Rizhao Large Razor Clams

Rizhao Large Razor Clams are a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Rizhao Large Razor Clams are an extremely precious type of seafood bivalve, known for their plump size and particularly well-developed muscular feet. Their two shells clasp together in a bamboo-like cylindrical shape, with thin, crisp shells that are smooth on the surface. The flesh is rich, tender, and full of elasticity, with snow-white juice — making them the finest among razor clams and also an important local specialty of our city.

　　Rizhao Large Razor Clams

　　Geographical Range

　　The geographical range for the Rizhao Large Razor Clams as a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products lies along the coastal waters from Liangcheng Estuary to XiuZhen Estuary in Rizhao City. The marine area spans from 34°55′N to 35°35′37.743″N latitude and 119°17′51.400″E to 119°41′51.888″E longitude, covering an area of 160,000 hectares. This includes the 4,288-hectare National Haizhou Bay Large Razor Clam Aquatic Germplasm Resource Reserve. There are approximately 160 fishing vessels operating in this region, with an annual yield of over 100 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: Rizhao Large Razor Clams are a highly valuable bivalve species found in the offshore waters of Rizhao. They belong to the phylum Mollusca, class Bivalvia, order Eulamellibranchia, suborder Adapedonta, and family Solenidae, and typically inhabit the mid-to-lower intertidal zones and shallow sea muddy sands. These clams are large and have especially well-developed muscular feet. Growth lines are clearly visible, arranged along the posterior and ventral edges. The two shells clasp together in a bamboo-like cylindrical form, with adult shells measuring 12–14 cm in length, generally 4–5 times as long as they are high. The shell is thin and brittle, with a smooth surface covered by yellowish-brown shell skin. The inner surface is white or slightly purplish, often showing light reddish bands.  2. Internal Quality Indicators: Rizhao Large Razor Clams are one of the premium seafood delicacies of Rizhao. They are esteemed as the finest among razor clams due to their delicious taste, tender meat, and rich nutritional value. The meat contains 12–14 g of protein per 100 g, 140–160 mg of total phosphorus per 100 g, 290–310 mg/kg of iron, and 5.0–6.5 g/kg of taurine.  3. Safety Requirements: The production techniques and product sales of this item must comply with the "Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the "Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the "National Standard for Quality and Safety of Pollution-Free Aquatic Products" (GB18460.4-2001), the "Technical Regulations for Ice Preservation of Catch on Fishing Boats" (SC/T3002-1988), and the "Technical Regulations for Handling Catch" (SC/T3003-1988).