Gan Yu Dried Shrimp

Gan Yu Dried Shrimp

Gan Yu Dried Shrimp is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Gan Yu Dried Shrimp is a specialty of Haitou Town, Gan Yu District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province.

　　Gan Yu District is located in the northernmost part of Jiangsu, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east, boasting 62.5 kilometers of pristine coastline and the 7,000-square-kilometer Haizhou Bay fishing grounds, which produce a rich variety of seafood such as prawns, yellow croaker, swimming crabs, and seaweed. But compared to other regions in China, Gan Yu’s dried shrimp is the most distinctive — not only is it one of the country’s primary production areas, but it is also known for its high quality, making it a unique symbol of Jiangsu’s seafood offerings.

　　“Gan Yu Dried Shrimp is mainly made from Acetes chinensis, a type of small shrimp found in the Yellow Sea,” explained Xu Jiatao, an expert from the Fisheries College at Huaihai Institute of Technology. “The largest ones can grow up to four centimeters, though most are around two to three centimeters. The production cycle for Gan Yu Dried Shrimp generally runs from August to September each year, lasting about two months — though this varies slightly annually, depending largely on the climate.”

　　Nowadays, based on the coastal fishing conditions in Gan Yu, after the gillnet fishing boats set out to sea in August, the region enters peak season for catching, processing, and sun-drying dried shrimp. The small shrimp, Acetes chinensis, are mainly caught using hand-pushed nets, commonly known as “shrimp-pushing,” a technique that has been practiced in coastal towns like Haitou and Zhewang in Gan Yu for hundreds of years.

　　Dried shrimp have long been considered both delicious and nourishing, often used to enhance the flavor of various dishes and soups, and have always been a favorite among locals in the Gan Yu area. A local folk ditty goes, “As people’s lives improve, they eat good food every day — fragrant oil fritters, pea flour, and even pancakes wrapped with salty dried shrimp,” vividly illustrating the tasty appeal of dried shrimp.

　　Since the beginning of this year, the catch of dried shrimp in the Yellow Sea has increased significantly, resulting in a bumper harvest, and prices have dropped considerably — you can get a pound for less than 10 yuan. Many locals in Gan Yu have also started selling dried shrimp through online platforms, making it a sought-after product among consumers nationwide.

　　Li Chuanbin, deputy director of the Gan Yu Administration for Industry and Commerce, said that once Gan Yu Dried Shrimp is included in the national geographical indication protection list, it will be legally protected as a unique brand, helping to further industrialize and standardize this local delicacy. “Currently, six products from Gan Yu, including swimming crabs and large yellow croaker, have successfully registered as geographical indications. Next, we plan to register other items such as pancakes and shrimp paste to better promote Gan Yu’s specialty foods.”

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　　How to Eat

　　Gan Yu Dried Shrimp is rich in high-nutrient proteins and minerals. It also contains an important nutrient — astaxanthin. The abundant calcium in dried shrimp can help control blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

　　Common home-cooked dishes featuring dried shrimp include shrimp tofu, shrimp and chive stir-fry, shrimp and scallion dish, and shrimp and radish soup — all are delicious treats. Using dried shrimp to wrap wontons adds an extra layer of umami. In Gan Yu, many locals enjoy wrapping dried shrimp in pancakes along with scallions, taking a big bite for a burst of fragrant goodness.

　　How to Choose Dried Shrimp

　　Currently, most dried shrimp on the market come in two types: sun-dried raw and sun-dried cooked. The former is unsalted and air-dried, offering a fresher taste and being less prone to moisture or mold. The latter is boiled in salted water, drained, and then sun-dried, yet still retains its savory flavor. Dried shrimp are flaky and hook-shaped, with transparent shells in reddish-white or light yellow hues, plump meat, and lengths of 25–40 millimeters. To judge their quality, grab a handful — if they easily separate when released, they are dry and of high quality; if they clump together or feel sticky, they are of lower quality or spoiled.

　　Gan Yu Dried Shrimp

　　 Haitou Town Shallow Water Aquaculture Association, Gan Yu County

　　 11681167

　　 Dried Shrimp