How to distinguish between real and fake turtles

The authenticity of turtles can be distinguished by observing their appearance, touching their texture, checking their odor, identifying their price, and understanding their source.

1. Appearance

True turtles have a dark brown or gray black back, with regularly arranged raised particles on the surface and clear and natural edge contours. Fake turtles may have an overly uniform color, irregular or overly smooth arrangement of particles on the back, and rigid edge contours. Wild turtles usually have rougher carapace, while farmed turtles have relatively smooth carapace but still have natural texture.

2. Texture

The shell of the real turtle is hard but has a certain degree of toughness, and the sound is crisp when struck. Fake turtles may be replicated using plastic or resin, with a texture that is either too hard and lacking toughness, or too soft. Live turtles have tight and elastic muscles, while turtles that have been dead for a longer period of time will have soft meat.

III. Odor

Fresh turtles have a slight fishy smell but are not pungent, while fake turtles may be treated with chemical agents and may have a pungent odor. The fishy smell of frozen turtles will intensify, but they should not be rotten Disgusting odor. Some false turtles may use essence to cover up the odor and smell abnormal.

4. Price

Wild turtle prices are usually high and stable, and turtles that are far below market prices should be cautious. When there is a significant price difference among turtles of the same specification, low-priced products may be sold as good. Some businesses may sell farmed turtles at high prices by impersonating wild turtles, and it is necessary to make a comprehensive judgment based on other characteristics.

Fifth, Source

Regular channels for purchasing turtles are more secure, while products from roadside stalls or unlicensed vendors have higher risks. You can request to view the aquaculture certificate or fishing license, and wild turtles should have a legal source certificate. Imported turtles need to have inspection and quarantine certificates, and domestically farmed turtles should have traceable breeding records.

When purchasing turtles, it is recommended to choose reputable merchants and not to buy products from unknown sources at a low price. Live turtles can be observed for their activity ability, while dead turtles need to be checked for freshness. Before cooking, soak the turtle in clean water to observe for any abnormal fading or dissolution. Turtle is nutritious but belongs to high protein food. People with allergies should consume it with caution. When storing turtles, they should be refrigerated and consumed as soon as possible to avoid repeated freezing and thawing that may affect their quality. If you have doubts about the authenticity of turtles, you can consult with the local food and drug supervision and management department or submit them for inspection.