Rushan Oysters 乳山牡蛎

Rushan Oysters (乳山牡蛎) are known locally as hailizi (海蛎子). Jinan Daily (济南日报), in a food feature republished by Qilu Net (齐鲁网), describes them as large and plump, with smooth flesh and a fresh, savoury flavour.

Raft-grown oysters

The Rushan Marine Development Bureau (乳山市海洋发展局) identifies Pacific oysters as the main farmed variety. Raft cultivation takes place in open water between Rushankou (乳山口) in the west and Langnuankou (浪暖口) in the east. The area has flowing tides and relatively small waves; the Rushan River (乳山河) and Huanglei River (黄垒河) bring nutrients that support abundant oyster food.

In the shell and in cooked dishes

A common preparation is to wash the shells, steam or boil the oysters, then remove the cooked meat to eat. Other preparations include oysters with minced garlic, soft-fried oyster meat, oysters fried with eggs, and oysters stewed with tofu.