Tianfu Water Shield

Tianfu Water Shield

　　Water shield is a perennial aquatic plant, a wild species with oval-shaped leaves that float on the water’s surface. Its stems, leaves, and the undersides of the leaves are covered in a slimy secretion, and it bears dusky red flowers. The tender leaves can be used in soups and dishes and have been cherished by people since ancient times. Originally native to regions such as Taihu Lake and West Lake, West Lake water shield is the most famous, renowned both domestically and internationally. In the Japanese market, water shield is considered a delicacy and has remained popular for a long time, and in recent years, it has become very popular in countries and regions such as the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan. Clinical evidence has shown that water shield has special therapeutic effects on cancer, as well as benefits for bone health and skin beauty. In 1997, our county’s Xiaofeng Town introduced the plant from Hangzhou and cultivated it in Tianfu Reservoir—the largest reservoir in northern Zhejiang—making full use of the reservoir’s cold water resources and environmental advantages. By the year 2000, the planting area had reached over 500 acres. It has become one of the new avenues for increasing farmers’ income and improving agricultural efficiency in our county. (Anji)