Baoying Softshell Turtle

Baoying Softshell Turtle

　　The "Five Golden Flowers" softshell turtle is a unique local variety in our county, belonging to the Chinese softshell turtle species. Farmers typically raise these turtles in lakes or ponds in a semi-wild environment. This near-wild farming method results in turtles with backs that are mostly dark brown in color, which is quite distinct from the shells of commonly farmed turtles. Semi-wild turtles often feature several dark black patterns on their bellies, usually forming the shape of five flowers — hence the name "Five Golden Flowers" softshell turtle. These semi-wild "Five Golden Flowers" turtles grow relatively slowly, typically taking about four years to reach a weight of 0.75 kilograms. As a result, their market price is higher than that of regularly farmed turtles, generally ranging between 80 and 120 yuan per jin (500g). Farmers leverage the area’s unique geographical environment to raise the turtles in semi-wild conditions, feeding them natural foods such as snails and small fish. This results in the "Five Golden Flowers" turtles having taste and nutritional qualities that are close to those of wild turtles. During the CCTV Charm Agricultural Products Carnival event held that day, the Baoying "Five Golden Flowers" turtle booth attracted attention from leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, and many Beijing residents. CCTV conducted exclusive interviews with both the county's aquatic products department head and representatives from turtle farming enterprises. Later, at the award ceremony, the judging panel spoke very highly of our county’s "Five Golden Flowers" turtles, stating that Baoying is a land of fish and rice, and the "Five Golden Flowers" turtles are one of its treasured products. The person in charge of our county’s Lübaodang Aquatic Farming Company went on stage to receive the trophy. (Liu Yanlong)