Rongcheng Abalone

Rongcheng Abalone

Rongcheng Abalone is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　Although called a fish, abalone is not a type of fish but a mollusk. It is a soft-bodied creature with an oval shell that crawls on rocky reefs. Whether used in cooking or soup, it offers a unique flavor. In China, it has long been regarded as a delicacy of the sea. Abalone was historically known as "fù" and commonly called "general's hat." Its shell is thick, low, wide, and ear-shaped, with the spiral part barely visible, occupying only a very small portion of the entire shell. The meat is hidden inside the shell; the foot is quite developed, accounting for 40% of its body weight. The channeled whelk abalone produced along the coast of Shandong is considered a premium variety among abalones. It lives among rugged reefs or island capes in shallow seas with high water transparency, smooth currents, and abundant seaweed. It is nocturnal, feeding on seaweed.

　　The meat is delicious, fresh without being greasy, and light yet rich in flavor. Every 100 grams of abalone meat contains 40 grams of protein, 0.9 grams of fat, and 33.7 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains various vitamins.

　　Traditional Chinese medicine considers it to be salty and warm in nature, capable of regulating menstruation, moisturizing dryness, and benefiting the intestines. The abalone shell (Haliotis discus hannai, also known as Shi Jue Ming) has effects such as improving eyesight, reducing heat, calming the liver, subduing yang, and promoting urination. The inner surface of its shell is bright in color and can be used as mother-of-pearl inlay for furniture.

　　Rongcheng Abalone

　　Geographic Scope

　　Rongcheng Abalone is mainly distributed in the three major sea areas—north, east, and south—within the administrative region of Rongcheng City, Shandong Province. The geographic scope is: 36°27′N–37°27.5′N, 122°06′E–122°42.5′E. Currently, the city’s abalone farming area covers 10,000 mu, with an annual fresh production of 5,000 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Product Quality Features: Sensory requirements for live abalone: large and thick shells, with a surface in greenish-brown or brown color. The dorsal side of the shell has a spiral ridge, and there are 4–5 through-holes near the front opening, also known as respiratory pores. The shell is oval-shaped, with adult abalones generally 7–10 cm in length, and up to about 14 cm for larger ones. The inner side of the shell is silvery-white with a pearly luster. Fresh abalone meat is light yellow, elastic, with strong contraction of the foot muscle and powerful suction. It has the distinctive smell of abalone, with no off-odors; no visible sand or foreign impurities or adherents. Internal quality indicators: tender texture, delicious taste, and rich nutrition. The edible parts of fresh abalone contain ≥10.0g/100g protein, ≤0.3g/100g fat, ≥300.0mg/kg calcium, and ≥50.0mg/100g phosphorus. 2. Quality and Safety Standards: Strictly adhere to the origin environment, seedling cultivation, and farming technical requirements mentioned in the above “3 Specific Production Methods” for production and business operations. Strictly implement the technical standards set forth in the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, GB18406.4-2001 Safety Quality of Agricultural Products – Safety Requirements for Pollution-Free Aquatic Products, NY5052 Water Quality Standards for Pollution-Free Mariculture, NY5313-2005 Pollution-Free Food – Abalone, NY5071 Guidelines for the Use of Drugs in Pollution-Free Aquaculture, and NY5073-2006 Limits of Toxic and Harmful Substances in Pollution-Free Aquatic Products. Based on the above standards, develop detailed quality management rules, strengthen and improve the quality management system, and ensure the quality and safety of Rongcheng Abalone.