Purple laver is being harvested in Qushan town, Daishan county, Zhoushan. [Photo/Tide News]

A vibrant harvest of purple laver is underway in Qushan town, Daishan county, Zhoushan, according to Tide News on Nov 14.

The first harvest of purple laver, prized for its tender texture and high nutritional value, requires immediate processing after being picked due to its heat sensitivity, according to Liu Zulun, a representative from the purple laver breeding base. Processing includes washing, shaping, and drying to maintain its quality.

This year, the base expanded to 333,333 square meters, yielding around 1,000 kilograms of purple laver daily. It also hired a professional manager to enhance market sales. Despite some weather-related challenges affecting the overall yield, the first batch remains highly in demand.

The purple laver breeding base has developed a comprehensive industry model integrating cultivation, processing, sales, and tourism. It has become a cornerstone of fishery transformation and rural revitalization efforts.

Last year, the purple laver industry generated an annual output value of about 600,000 yuan ($83,022), contributing 200,000 yuan to the village's collective economy.

The first harvest period of local purple laver lasts about three days, with the second and third harvests planned over the next month.