Ruditapes philippinarum (Asari clams) from Lanshan

Ruditapes philippinarum (Asari clams) from Lanshan

　　Asari clams are considered a premium variety among shellfish and are renowned as the “King of Seafood.”

　　Asari clams have a triangular posterior shell edge and a rounded ventral edge, with both valves being roughly equal in size. The shell surface is inflated, smooth, and covered with a glossy, yellowish-brown periostracum. Smaller individuals often display rich and varied shell patterns, while larger ones tend to have more consistent markings. These clams generally inhabit the intertidal zones near river mouths and shallow coastal areas with fine sand or muddy flats. Their meat is tender and delicious, with a protein content of 13.9%. Aside from being eaten cooked, they can also be dried or canned. They also hold significant medicinal value, offering benefits such as clearing heat and dampness, resolving phlegm, and dispersing nodules. They have been shown to markedly inhibit liver cancer and are also effective against asthma, chronic bronchitis, goiter, and scrofula. Consuming Asari clams is believed to nourish internal organs, relieve thirst, strengthen the spleen and stomach, treat eye redness, and increase lactation, making them highly popular among food lovers both in China and abroad. Ancient medicine held that eating Asari clams could treat malignant sores, and modern research suggests that extracts from their soft tissue and digestive diverticula can inhibit cancer cells. Asari clams are also one of the important shellfish species contributing to export earnings.

　　The coastal areas of Lanshan District boast abundant resources of Asari clams, with over ten thousand acres of suitable intertidal mudflats for clam farming. In 1992, the Rizhao fisheries department successfully cultivated Asari clam seedlings, laying the foundation for large-scale breeding and enhancement of the species.