Talk of the town:Local ''big sluice crabs''
【明報專訊】The Chinese mitten crab (中華絨螯蟹), more commonly known as the ''big sluice crab'' (大閘蟹), is one of Hong Kongers' favorite culinary delights. As is widely known, the Chinese mitten crabs on our dishes mostly come from Yangcheng Lake (陽澄湖) in Suzhou (蘇州).
Last year, a pond owner began working with Eco FSC Technology Limited, a technology company, to breed Chinese mitten crabs locally. This year, it succeeded in building several high-quality fish farms with a total area of approximately 600,000 square feet in places such as Lau Fau Shan (流浮山) and Pak Nai (白泥) in Yuen Long. It is estimated that about 500,000 crabs will be launched onto the market this autumn.
What do the companies use to feed the crabs? In some innovative experiments, they are using the bodies of fish, such as salmon, normally discarded in the production of food to feed the crabs. In other words, if the plan is successful, not only will it vitalize more abandoned fish farms and make the fish farming industry sustainable, but it will also increase the amount of food waste recycled. What a win-win situation!
◆ Grammar booster
As
The word ''as'' can be used to make a comment or to add information about what you have just said.
e.g. As you know, Sally loves eating crabs very much.
■ Game
Difficulty:★★★
(Answers on next text)
Do you know the body parts of a crab? Use the words in the box to fill in the blanks.
1. pincers
2. feelers
3. eyes
4. cephalothorax(頭胸部)
5. walking legs
6. abdomen(腹部)
(See the picture)
■ Gear up
(Answers on next text)
1. The companies feed crabs with salmon.
(True/ False)
2. The ''Chinese mitten crab'' is the common name of the ''big sluice crab''.
(True/ False)
3. Hong Kong people will be able to taste locally bred crabs this autumn.
(True/ False)
■Glossary
culinary delight (n) 美食
breed (v) 飼養
vitalize (v) 活化
win-win situation (n) 雙贏局面
[Smarties' Power English 第320期]