According to traditional Chinese medicine theories, people should nourish their bodies and moisturize internal dryness during autumn and winter through a proper diet.
Turtle soup, with an appetizing flavor, many nutrients, and low fat, is a popular health choice for many Chinese families.
Have you eaten a turtle bred in a paddy field?
In Jiading Industrial Zone, a villager surnamed Shen has raised nearly 2,000 turtles among his rice paddies.
According to Shen, his turtles are raised in an environment similar to their natural habitat, as they are able to eat snails and shrimp in the rice field.
"The turtles feed on wild animals and have a lot of space to move around. Though they take a long time to raise, they taste better than those raised in a conventional manner," said Shen.
"Turtles eat weeds and insects in the paddy field, reducing rice pests and diseases. Their feces are a natural fertilizer for rice, and the rice plants provide a cool and comfortable environment for turtles."
Shen added that his turtles will hit the market around Spring Festival, and will be sold at around 200 yuan ($28.45) per kg.
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A villager raises turtles among his rice paddies in Jiading Industrial Zone. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn] |
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Shen holds one of his turtles in Jiading Industrial Zone. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn] |