Origin Processing Methods and Technical Key Points for Scorpion

[Harvesting] Harvesting can be done in spring, summer, and autumn. When catching, be sure to wear tall boots and gloves, and prepare ammonia water so that it can be applied immediately in case of being stung by a scorpion. As for harvesting time, those caught between Qingming and Guyu are called "spring scorpions," which are of better quality because they have not eaten soil; those caught in late summer and early autumn are called "fu scorpions," which are of poorer quality because they have already eaten soil. After the scorpions are caught, transport them back for processing.

[Origin Processing] 1. Saltwater scorpion (1) Place the captured live scorpions in salt water and soak for 6-12 hours to make them spit out impurities, then scoop them into a bamboo sieve, filter the salt water that soaked the scorpions to remove muddy water and impurities, boil it in a pot and remove the foam, then add the scorpions soaked in salt water, cook over high heat, adding water at any time, cook for about 3 hours, then switch to low heat, stop adding water, stir the scorpions frequently, and cook until the water is basically gone, the scorpions' backs show drawn-in grooves, the whole body is stiff and rigid, and the color is glossy, then place in a ventilated, dry place to air-dry. Live scorpions: table salt: water (water temperature 20°C-25°C) = 10:1.5:40 (2) Place the scorpions in a basin of cold water and wash them clean of sand and mud and make them discharge feces. After washing, place them in a pot or vat containing salt water and soak for 2 hours, then take them out. Take fresh salt water and put it in a pot to heat, then add the scorpions, boil for 20 minutes, remove, spread out to dry, and place in a ventilated place to dry in the shade.

2. Clear-water scorpion: also called freshwater scorpion. First place the scorpions in a basin of cold water to wash and soak, remove, put into boiling water and continue heating, and when the water boils again they can be taken out and dried. The finished product processed by this method is more prone to mold and deterioration, so it is seldom used. To prevent the scorpion bodies from becoming brittle and easily broken, the finished scorpions after shade-drying or air-drying must not be exposed to the sun.