Gushi Soft-Shelled Turtles

Gushi Soft-Shelled Turtles

Gushi soft-shelled turtles are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Gushi soft-shelled turtles are a local specialty of the county. In recent years, through a "company + cooperative + farmer" operational model, the area has developed its local water resources, steadily improving product quality. In 2006, Gushi soft-shelled turtles were certified as pollution-free agricultural products by the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2009 they were recognized as an aquatic healthy farming base, and in 2010 they were ranked among China’s Top Ten Famous Turtles. Gushi soft-shelled turtles have a glossy shell, rich gelatinous texture, and a thick, elastic skirt that extends straight with a width of over one-third of the turtle’s body width. They are rich in essential amino acids, glutamic acid, and physiologically important elements such as selenium, zinc, and animal collagen—levels that are higher than those found in other turtle species. The product is sold across major cities nationwide.

　　Gushi Soft-Shelled Turtles

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected area for Gushi soft-shelled turtles covers the region east of the Shih River within Gushi County, including Quanhe Township, Fen Shui Township, Chenji Township, Jiangji Town, Xujii Township, Zhangguang Township, Shahepu Township, Liushu Township, Shifo Township, and Liji Town, encompassing 240 administrative villages. The protected area's geographical coordinates are: 115°43′ to 115°55′ east longitude and 31°53′ to 32°27′ north latitude. The suitable aquaculture water area spans 30,000 mu, with an annual production of 1,500 tons.

　　Product Quality and Characteristic Features

　　1. External Sensory Characteristics: The turtles are robust and vigorous in movement, with glossy shells, sharp claws, and a thick, elastic skirt. Their backs are mainly yellowish-brown or light green, with glossy ventral shells that feel smooth. Their undersides feature clear, distinct patterns. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: The skirt width reaches over one-third of the turtle’s body width, rich in gelatin, with golden oil, a viscous, gel-like texture. The taste is delicious with no fishy flavor, offering high nutrition and appealing flavor. Per 100 grams of turtle meat and skirt, there are 15–16 grams of protein and 7–8 grams of fat, along with over 20 types of essential amino acids including glutamic acid, accounting for 15–16% of the turtle’s body weight. The turtle shell contains over 20 types of minerals, with abundant trace elements such as selenium, zinc, and iron that have important physiological functions. Iron content ranges from 210–220 mg/kg, magnesium from 190–200 mg/kg, calcium from 100–110 mg/kg, vitamin E content is 0.6–0.7 IU/100g. Additionally, the turtle meat is rich in trace active nutrients such as animal collagen, keratin, and iodine. 3. Safety Requirements: Products must comply with the “Pollution-Free Food – Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle” standards. Production and management strictly follow the “Pollution-Free Food – Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle Technical Operation Procedures” (NY/T 5067–200), prohibiting the use of any agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides that are not legally registered or banned by the state.