Soft-Shell Turtle

Meat

Pelodiscus sinensis — Chinese freshwater turtle, soft outer shell, gelatinous meat.

Where it comes from

Farmed throughout China and East Asia; banquet ingredient since the Tang dynasty.

In the kitchen

Soft-shell turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, is a Chinese freshwater turtle known for its soft outer shell and gelatinous meat. It has been a banquet ingredient since the Tang dynasty, prized for its texture and flavor. It is farmed throughout China and East Asia for culinary use.