📍 The southernmost point of mainland China: Zhanjiang, the "Seafood Capital" sitting on nearly half of the coastline of Guangdong
If you are looking for a city in China that is worth visiting just for the food, then Zhanjiang will definitely be among it. This city at the southernmost tip of mainland China enjoys a coastline of 1,556 kilometers, accounting for 46% of the entire coastline of Guangdong Province. With its favorable geographical location, Zhanjiang has become a veritable "Seafood Capital of China". This place is bordered by the South China Sea to the east and the Beibu Gulf to the west. It is located at the intersection of cold and warm currents. The conditions in the sea area are extremely good and the number of plankton is quite large, creating the most original ecological breeding environment for all kinds of seafood. Now, let’s explore the source of Zhanjiang seafood together and decode this gift from the sea.
🦀 Zhiliao crab and fierce crab: the geographical indication and flavor code of Zhanjiang crab
When talking about the Zhanjiang crab with bold font and golden orange color, the first thing that comes to the mind of experienced food lovers is its supremely delicious taste. The sea area in Zhanjiang is vast and there are a large number of mudflats and wetlands. Such unique geographical conditions have cultivated an extremely rich variety of crab species. Among them, the Zhiliao crab produced in Zhiliao Village, Wuyang Town, Wuchuan, with bold font and golden orange color, is undoubtedly the best among crabs. Among the rice crabs, this type of rice crab has been regarded as a high-quality product since the Song Dynasty. It is as famous as the Yangcheng Lake hairy crab and is one of the four famous crabs in China. Because it is blessed with the unique waters where salt and fresh water meet, the Zhiliao crab The legs are not thin but thick, and the meat is thick and full of fat. It is an absolute quality feature. Open the crab cover and pull it apart. The crab roe is in a semi-liquid state, with a lot of fat and richness. It melts in your mouth. In addition to the precious sea crabs called Zhiliao crabs, Zhanjiang's local crabs known as "Meng Crabs" (which is a collective name for all kinds of crabs caught in the sea) also have an alluring and irresistible flavor. To identify whether it is an authentic Zhanjiang crab that has the local flavor, firstly, see if the crab shell is shiny and shiny, secondly, see if the crab legs are hard and powerful, and thirdly, see if the umbilicus is plump and bulging after being opened. The sweet and fresh taste is iconic, and this taste belongs to Zhanjiang crab. Whether it is steamed to retain the original flavor, or stir-fried with ginger and green onion to stimulate the aroma of the wok, it is the best reason for diners to lick their fingers and reminisce.
🍤 The four-season gift of the long-bearded male: the sweetness and tasting of Zhanjiang shrimp
If crab is a beautiful thing given by the season, then Zhanjiang shrimp is a delicious taste that lasts throughout the year. People in Zhanjiang love shrimp deeply, and it is also an important base for shrimp farming and fishing in the country. The reason why Zhanjiang shrimp has become a specialty product similar to a geographical indication is that it benefits from clean seawater and scientific ecological breeding. Isn't it like this? Whether it is the common vannamei shrimp, or the wild monodon or nine-section shrimp, Zhanjiang shrimp all have this core quality: the meat is firm, and the taste is sweet and chewy. After being cooked, the shrimps belonging to Zhanjiang will naturally bend into a "bow" shape, and the color will appear bright red, so they are also elegantly called "long-bearded males". The unique way of eating in Zhanjiang City is usually the extremely simple boiling method. Only by doing this can the moisture and sweet taste in the shrimp meat be locked in to the greatest extent. When the shrimp shells are peeled off, the shrimp meat shows such a clear texture. It is smooth but not chewy when entering the mouth. The natural salty and fresh seafood flavor explodes in the mouth instantly. Since Zhanjiang shrimp can be continuously supplied in all seasons, it has become the protagonist of the never-ending performance on Zhanjiang dining tables. Whether it is the reunion dinner during the Chinese New Year or the barbecue stall on the street late at night, the figure with a touch of red color has always been the most comforting smell with fireworks.
🦪 "Ocean milk" from pure seas: direct insights into the origin of Zhanjiang oysters
Guandu, Potou, Taiping Town and other sea areas have pristine water bodies that are unpolluted and pollution-free, with smooth currents and moderate salinity. The oyster farmers here adhere to almost harsh and strict breeding standards, resulting in Zhanjiang oysters becoming one of the few ecological seafood that does not require artificial feeding and can only grow by relying on sea microorganisms. Authentic Zhanjiang oysters have an irregular oval appearance and a rough shell surface. However, after opening, the oyster meat is as plump and plump as gelatin, and tastes smooth and sweet. As soon as you bite into it, the first thing you experience is the crisp and tender taste of oyster meat. As you chew slowly, the juice bursts out between the teeth, accompanied by the iconic fragrance of sea water and a hint of sweet aftertaste. It truly achieves the effect of "crispy but without residue". To identify the quality of oysters, just look at whether the edges of the oyster meat are clear, whether the skirt is strong, and whether there is any mixed smell when you enter the mouth. It is not only a delicacy placed on the table, but also rich in protein and zinc. It also carries people's longing for health and the pursuit of delicious food.
Starting from the historical heritage of Zhiliao crabs, to the continuous supply of prawns in all seasons, to the popular fat oysters across the country, Zhanjiang seafood has long been more than just a food, it has evolved into a unique cultural symbol of this coastal city. Behind every bite of authentic seafood is the generous gift from the pure waters at the southernmost tip of mainland China. Take the one you cherish with you, go to Zhanjiang in person, peel a crab with your own hands amidst the sound of the waves, taste a shrimp, and sip an oyster. This is the most authentic and ultimate reward for life.
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