Tasty Turtle Jelly Treats: Exploring Taiwan's Delicacy

Turtle jelly, also known as guilinggao, is a jelly-like Chinese medicine that is also sold as a dessert. It is made from the gao or paste of the plastron (bottom shell) of the turtle Cuora trifasciata, along with a variety of herbal products. In modern times, commercially available guilinggao usually does not contain turtle-derived ingredients, as the golden coin turtle is critically endangered and extremely expensive. In Taiwan, turtle jelly is available at popular dessert chains such as Meet Fresh, where a bowl typically costs between $20-50.

Turtle jelly's health benefits

Turtle jelly, also known as gui-ling-gao, is a traditional Chinese functional food with a range of purported health benefits. It is typically made from the bottom shell of the turtle Cuora trifasciata, known as the "three-lined box turtle" or "golden coin turtle", and a variety of herbal products, including Smilax glabra (Tu fu ling).

Improving Skin Health and Complexion

Guilinggao is believed to be beneficial for the skin, promoting a healthier complexion with repeated consumption. This belief is supported by the experience of Mr. Ng's mother, who reportedly improved her health significantly after consuming Hoi Tin Tong's herbal jelly.

Lowering Cholesterol and Improving Cardiovascular Health

A study on rats found that turtle jelly could suppress diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. It reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Turtle jelly also improved the atherogenic index, suggesting potential atheroscleroprotective effects.

Liver Protection (Hepatoprotection)

Turtle jelly has been shown to reduce fat depositions and overall lipid content in the liver, improving liver function. It also increases the activity of hepatic antioxidative enzymes and reduces oxidative stress-related lipid peroxidation, thereby protecting the liver from damage.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Turtle jelly exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Improving Circulation and Muscle Growth

Consuming guilinggao is thought to improve circulation and assist in muscle growth, although further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects.

Turtle jelly is available in various forms, including canned jelly, powdered concentrate, and herbal drinks. It has a bitter taste and is often sweetened with honey or brown sugar to improve its palatability.

Turtle jelly's taste and texture

Turtle jelly, or guilinggao, is a jelly-like Chinese medicine also sold as a dessert. It is made from the paste of the plastron (bottom shell) of the turtle Cuora trifasciata (commonly known as the "three-lined box turtle" or "golden coin turtle"), along with a variety of herbal products. The jelly is black or dark brown in colour and is slightly bitter in taste, though sweeteners such as honey can be added. It is said to have various health benefits, including improving skin complexion, improving circulation, assisting muscle growth, relieving itching, reducing acne, and kidney restoration.

The traditional recipe for guilinggao involves boiling the turtle shell for many hours, first by itself and then with various herbal ingredients, gradually evaporating the liquid until a jelly-like residue forms. Rice flour and corn starch are added to thicken the product.

Today, guilinggao is also available in canned form with pop-top lids and plastic spoons for immediate consumption. It can be found in many East and Southeast Asian countries, as well as Chinatowns in the United States, Canada, England, and New Zealand. It is also available in powdered form, which can be prepared at home, similarly to how Jello is made. Additional herbal substances, such as ginseng, can be added to the jelly to enhance its taste and medicinal value.

The taste of guilinggao has been described as faintly sweet but with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It has a smooth texture and is considered a soft jelly. While it is traditionally consumed for its health benefits, it can also be enjoyed as a dessert, especially when paired with sweeteners to reduce its bitterness.

Where to buy turtle jelly in Taiwan

Turtle jelly, also known as guilinggao, is a jelly-like Chinese medicine that is also sold as a dessert. It is made from the gao or paste of the plastron (bottom shell) of a turtle, along with a variety of herbal products.

While it is possible to make your own turtle jelly at home, here are some places where you can buy it in Taiwan:

Hoi Tin Tong Co. Ltd.

The company was founded by Mr. Ng Yiu Ming, who started his career selling turtles and wild animals for medicinal purposes. He then opened his first store, "Hoi Tin Tong," in 1991 on Bowring Street in Jordan, following his mother's health improvement after consuming herbal turtle jelly. The price is set at HK$50 a bowl, and the company has expanded its retail stores to Taiwan, along with Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Macau, and Mainland China.

You can also find canned turtle jelly with pop-top lids and plastic spoons for immediate consumption in Taiwan. These are typically available in many East and Southeast Asian countries, as well as Chinatowns in the United States and Canada. Additionally, it can be purchased in England and New Zealand.

How to make turtle jelly

Turtle jelly, or guilinggao, is a jelly-like Chinese medicine that is also sold as a dessert. It is traditionally made from the gao or paste of the plastron (bottom shell) of the turtle Cuora trifasciata, commonly known as the "three-lined box turtle" or "golden coin turtle". This particular species is critically endangered and commercially farming it is extremely expensive, so even when turtle-derived ingredients are used, they typically come from other, more common turtle species.

Commercially available guilinggao usually does not contain turtle shell powder. Instead, it shares the same herbal additives as the medicine and is marketed as being good for the skin. It is black or dark brown in colour and has a slightly bitter taste, although sweeteners such as honey can be added.

To make traditional guilinggao, you will need the plastron (bottom shell) of a turtle. This is boiled for many hours, first by itself, and then with a variety of herbal ingredients. The liquid is gradually evaporated, and rice flour and corn starch are added to thicken the product, resulting in a jelly-like residue.

Guilinggao jelly can also be prepared at home from commercially sold powdered concentrate, similarly to how Jello is made. When it is prepared, other herbal substances, such as ginseng, are added to the jelly to give it certain tastes and medicinal values.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet grass jelly
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

• In a pot, add water, sugar, and salt. Stir well and bring to a boil.
• Once the sugar is dissolved, add the grass jelly and coconut milk. Stir well and bring to a boil again.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• Remove from heat and let it cool down.
• Pour the mixture into a mould and refrigerate until set.
• Serve chilled.

The legality of using turtles in food products

The use of turtles in food products is a highly regulated area, with laws varying from country to country. In Taiwan, the use of turtles in food products is subject to a number of restrictions and regulations. Here is an overview of the legality of using turtles in food products in Taiwan:

The Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation ("Act", last amended on 12 June 2019), defines food as "goods provided to people for eating, drinking or chewing, and the raw materials of such goods." This includes food materials, food additives, processing aids, vitamins, minerals, and nutritive substances. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) is responsible for regulating food products in Taiwan, including those containing turtles.

One popular food product that contains turtles is guilinggao, or tortoise jelly. While it is traditionally made from the paste of the plastron (bottom shell) of the turtle Cuora trifasciata, commercially available guilinggao often does not contain turtle shell powder due to the expense and endangered status of the golden coin turtle. Instead, they may use other turtle species or omit turtle-derived ingredients altogether.

According to Taiwan's Statute for the Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases, foreign animal products must comply with animal quarantine regulations and apply for quarantine in accordance with the regulations when imported into Taiwan. Failure to do so can result in fines and imprisonment. This would apply to turtle-derived products being imported into Taiwan.

The Animal Protection Act and Wildlife Conservation Act in Taiwan also play a role in regulating the use of turtles in food products. These laws protect certain species, including endangered and exotic species, and prohibit the use of their parts in food products.

In summary, the use of turtles in food products in Taiwan is subject to a number of regulations and laws. It is important to ensure that any turtle-derived products are sourced legally and comply with all relevant regulations to avoid penalties.

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