Qinzhou Venus Clams

Qinzhou Venus Clams

　　Venus clams (Meretrix meretrix), also known as flower clams, yellow clams, or sea clams, are locally referred to as "che luo" or "fei luo." They belong to the phylum Mollusca, class Bivalvia, order Eulamellibranchia,

　　family Veneridae (a specialty of Qinzhou), and genus Meretrix. The shell’s dorsal edge is slightly triangular, while the ventral edge is rounded. Its length is slightly greater than its height, and the shell is hard and thick. Both shells are of equal size. The umbo is prominent, located slightly forward on the dorsal side; the two umbos are close together and curve slightly toward the ventral side. The lunule is narrow and lanceolate in shape. The escutcheon is long and oval. The ligament is short, stout, and brown, protruding from the shell surface. The shell surface is smooth and covered with a layer of smooth, lacquer-like yellowish-brown periostracum; growth lines are clear, with brown zigzag bands starting from the umbo and no radial ribs. The interior is grayish-white, with the posterior margin tinged purple. Venus clams prefer to live in sandy beaches near inner bays and estuaries where freshwater flows in.

　　　　Venus clam meat is tender and delicious, considered a premium among shellfish seafood, and is often hailed as the "best delicacy under heaven." It is highly nutritious, with 13.9 grams of protein and 0.8 grams of fat per 100 grams of meat. It also contains various amino acids and vitamins that are easily absorbed by the human body, as well as essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. During the Tang Dynasty, it was even served as a tribute seafood in the imperial court. In addition to being eaten fresh, it can also be processed into dried products and canned foods. Both live Venus clams and frozen fresh clam meat are export commodities that generate foreign exchange.

　　　　Venus clams are not only delicious and nutritious but also have high therapeutic and medicinal value. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" states that they can treat "sores, boils, swelling, eliminate food stagnation, and counteract alcohol poisoning," among other ailments. Modern research has further shown that Venus clams have the effects of clearing heat and promoting diuresis, resolving phlegm, and dispersing nodules. They have a significant inhibitory effect on liver cancer and are also notably effective against asthma, chronic bronchitis, goiter, and lymph node tuberculosis. Consuming Venus clams can nourish internal organs, quench thirst, strengthen the spleen and stomach, treat red eyes, and increase lactation, making them highly popular among diners both in China and abroad.

　　　　Qinzhou Bay coastal areas abound in Venus clams, which are available year-round.