Dalian scallops

Dalian scallops

Dalian scallops are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Dalian has been cultivating Yesso scallops (Patinopecten yessoensis), introduced from Japan, for nearly 30 years. It has now become a pillar and premium product of the city’s marine aquaculture industry. Rich in nutrients, the Yesso scallop is an important variety of shellfish. Its adductor muscle has a unique protein composition — analysis shows that every 100 grams contains 63.7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 47 milligrams of calcium, 886 milligrams of phosphorus, and 2.9 milligrams of iron. Yesso scallops are rich in unsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA can significantly reduce thrombus formation and arteriosclerosis. DHA not only promotes intellectual development and boosts IQ but also lowers the incidence of senile dementia. A glycoprotein extracted from the scallop’s adductor muscle has been found to have anti-cancer effects by destroying cancer cells. In addition, scallops have nourishing effects such as enriching yin and tonifying kidneys, offering significant therapeutic benefits for conditions like physical weakness, poor appetite, and malnutrition.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Features: “Dalian Yesso scallops” are large cold-water shellfish with relatively slow growth. Their shells are big, measuring over 10 cm. As filter-feeding bivalves, their shells are fan-shaped, with the right valve more prominent, yellowish-white, and the left valve slightly flatter, smaller, and purplish-brown. The shell surface has 15–20 radiating ribs, and both lateral auricles have shallow byssal notch openings. The right valve has broad and low ribs with narrow interstices, while the left valve has finer ribs and wider interstices. There is a triangular internal ligament beneath the umbo. They naturally inhabit waters 6–60 meters deep with gravelly substrates. The suitable growth temperature range is 5–23°C, and the optimal salinity range is 24–40. From spat stage to a shell height of 11–12 cm, the minimum time required is 1 year and 7 months. Records indicate a maximum shell height of 27.94 cm, with a lifespan of about 25 years. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: “Dalian Yesso scallops” are highly nutritious and an important variety of shellfish. Their adductor muscle has a unique protein composition — analysis shows that every 100 grams contains 63.7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 47 milligrams of calcium, 886 milligrams of phosphorus, and 2.9 milligrams of iron. Yesso scallops are rich in unsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA can significantly reduce thrombus formation and arteriosclerosis. DHA not only promotes intellectual development and boosts IQ but also lowers the incidence of senile dementia. A glycoprotein extracted from the scallop’s adductor muscle has been found to have anti-cancer effects by destroying cancer cells. In addition, scallops have nourishing effects such as enriching yin and tonifying kidneys, offering significant therapeutic benefits for conditions like physical weakness, poor appetite, and malnutrition. Dalian Yesso scallops bring you the taste of the sea, along with deliciousness and health.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Dalian Yesso scallops are mainly distributed across 6 districts, 3 county-level cities, and 1 county within the administrative region of Dalian City, Liaoning Province. These include: Zhongshan District, Xigang District, Shahekou District, Ganjingzi District, Jinzhou District, Lushunkou District, Pulandian City, Wafangdian City, Zhuanghe City, and Changhai County. The geographical scope spans between 120°58' and 123°31' east longitude, and 38°43' and 40°12' north latitude. The total production area of Dalian Yesso scallops is approximately 224,000 hectares, with an annual yield of 260,000 tons and an output value of 3 billion yuan.