FROZEN TURTLES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6382, 3 December 1907, Page 7

FROZEN TURTLES.

The first shipment of any importance of frozen turtles from Queensland, conBißtmg of about a dozen, wero on view recently at the Central Meat Market London (says tho "Daily Telegraph”). Connoisseurs are doubtful os 'to whether frozen turtle will provide as good soup as freshly killed. This special soup, associated with great banquet? and special leaetmgs, is highly, nutritive. At the present rate of turtle, vix., Is 3d to le 6d per lb wholesale, this soup is sold at something like 2s 6d a plate. It should bo obtainable at a much, lower rato if frozen turtle is put on tb© market, for it is reckoned that 5M or Gd P® r 10, wholesale would be ‘ the price. •West Indian turtles are shipped alive, and they can b© kept alive for about two months. Sometimes, however, they refuse to look at tho food offered to them. Tho West Indian turtle is much' smaller than, the Queensland. The largest of tho shipment of twelve is about 6ft long and 411 broad. Tho turtles wore killed as soon ns possible after they wore captured; i.e., thrown upon their backn. Then, they were carefully bled, and at onto put into tho cold storage. They were still covered with hoar frost iu» they lay in tho market for inspection. Turtles ar e bought for big hotels and club houses. They are also sold largely to manufacturers, who reduce tho tmhstance to jelly, and then sell tho 'soap m solidified form, which is considered tho most convenient for tho average cook. So nutritious is the animal that the shell, as well as the flesh, is boiled down, and it yields a considerable amount of substance. SJhouid this first shipment be well received, £b 0 way will be opened tor o new industry.