Winter Melon and Turtle Skirt Soup

Winter Melon and Turtle Skirt Soup

　　Winter Melon and Turtle Skirt Soup is a broth made by simmering the skirt (the tender edge of the shell) of a turtle (also known as soft-shelled turtle, turtle, or mud turtle) together with tender winter melon. The preparation is meticulous and the ingredients carefully selected. First, the skirt is cut into pieces from a plump turtle, which is then slaughtered, and the skirt is stir-fried over high heat. Chicken broth and seasonings are added to cook it, after which pieces of tender winter melon are placed in to simmer gently until the turtle skirt becomes tender and dissolves.

　　This dish has the effects of nourishing yin and kidney, as well as clearing heat and reducing inflammation. It is a type of medicinal cuisine that was popular in Jiangling over a thousand years ago during the Song Dynasty. According to the Jiangling County Annals: During the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song, when Zhang returned to the capital after visiting his family, the emperor asked, "What did you see in Jiangling?" Zhang replied, "Turtle skirt soup cooked with tender winter melon." This refers to this very dish.