Huangxi (Yellow Clam) from Pulandian

Huangxi from Pulandian

Huangxi from Pulandian is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Huangxi from Pulandian is a specialty of Pulandian City, Dalian, Liaoning Province. It is a nationally protected geographical indication agricultural product.

　　The scientific name of Pulandian Huangxi is Mactra chinensis, commonly known as yellow clam. Its culinary history can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, when some coastal fishermen would pry open live clams to enjoy their plump meat and savory juices. In modern cooking, it is suitable for cold mixing, boiling, stir-frying with chili, and more. The most exceptional way to enjoy it is grilled over charcoal. Placing the sand-free clams on glowing embers, with the warm red charcoal, golden shells, enticing aroma of the meat, and the misty steam, it is truly mouthwatering and irresistible. Once the clams are perfectly grilled, they must be carefully removed from the fire and the piping hot meat extracted with chopsticks. The most remarkable part of Pulandian Huangxi is not the meat itself, but the juice inside. Elders believe it is the ultimate delicacy. The delicious juice leaves a lasting impression, making this earthly delight enviable. The Qing Dynasty poet Guo Lin once praised its flavor in “Gui Zhi Xiang Huang Xian” (Osmanthus Fragrance Yellow Clam), describing it as “a rare delicacy of riverside towns.” For the people of Pulandian, their love for Huangxi can only be expressed as “surpassing all worldly joys” or “feeling like immortals in bliss” when savoring this treat. As a result, similar grilled Pulandian Huangxi dishes have become a popular delicacy in barbecue restaurants across the country.

　　Huangxi from Pulandian has a long history. Since the fishing and hunting life around Xiaozhushan thousands of years ago to the present day, it has remained a uniquely high-quality seafood delicacy, deeply favored by local fishermen.

　　The yellow clam is one of the cleanest and most beautiful among shellfish, living its entire life amidst fine sand, away from filth, naturally pristine. Its appearance is golden like sand, with shell patterns resembling water ripples, making it very attractive.

　　In 2013, the "Pulandian Huangxi" application submitted by the Pulandian City Aquatic Technology Extension Station passed the review of the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and expert evaluation, and was granted national geographical indication agricultural product registration and protection.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The nearshore sea area within the 0–10 meter depth contour in parts of Chengzitan Subdistrict, Pulandian City, mainly including the intertidal zone and subtidal zone. The distribution area’s geographic coordinates range from E 122°30′25.98″ to 122°34′14.64″, and N 39°24′51.28″ to 39°27′50.77″.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: Pulandian Huangxi is notable for its large size, unique shell color and shape, and high meat yield. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: In addition to its large size and distinctive appearance, Pulandian Huangxi is superior in nutrition and has unique chemical composition. Due to its higher fresh meat yield compared to other regions and clearer, tastier body fluids, its key indicators such as protein, amino acids, and fat differ from those of the same product from other origins. 3. Safety Requirements: Compliant with food safety standards and export food safety standards.