Choose male or female when buying turtles

The choice of male and female turtles should be determined based on the purpose of consumption. Male turtles are recommended for those who pursue firm meat quality, while female turtles are recommended for those who need nourishment and health preservation.

1. characteristics of Male Turtles

Male turtles have a relatively slender and long body shape, with a thick and long tail that protrudes from the shell at the tip, and a prominent central depression in the abdominal shell. Its meat is more firm and chewy, with slightly higher collagen content, suitable for dishes that require long-term cooking such as braised dishes and stewed soups. The male hormone content in the body of male turtles is relatively high. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it has the effect of warming and tonifying kidney yang, and is suitable for people with weak and cold constitution to consume. When selecting, pay attention to the distance between the hind limbs. The distance between the hind limbs of male turtles is relatively narrow, and pressing the abdominal armor can feel a significant hardness.

II. Characteristics of female turtles

Female turtles have a round and wide body shape, a short and thick tail that is completely wrapped in the shell, and a flat or slightly convex abdominal shell. Its fat distribution is more uniform, the meat is tender and easy to digest, and it is rich in nutrients such as lecithin. The female turtle has the highest nutritional value during the ovarian development period and contains rich natural estrogen, which is suitable for postpartum recuperation or menopausal women. When selecting, pay attention to the radian of the back armor. The back armor of the female turtle is high, and the skirt is wide, thick and elastic. It is more suitable for steaming or porridge cooking.

Regardless of choosing male or female turtles, it is recommended to choose live turtles to observe their activity ability. The carapace should be intact and free of scars, and there should be no abnormal spots on the abdomen. Before cooking, it is necessary to let it rest in clean water for two days to remove impurities. During processing, the gallbladder should be preserved to prevent bitterness from seeping in. Turtle should not be eaten with amaranth and mint, and those with damp and hot constitution should control their consumption. Paired with ingredients such as goji berries and yams, it can enhance the nourishing effect. For those who have recovered after surgery, it is recommended to remove the skin and oil and stew the soup. It is advisable to consume it no more than twice a week. If it cannot be consumed immediately after purchase, it can be cleaned and frozen for storage, but should not exceed two months.