Pingtan abalone has hit the market early this year. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The popular abalone of Aoqian and Liushui towns in Pingtan, Fujian province, have come to the market this season, and are tasting better than ever thanks to the recent mild weather.

Abalone is a variety of marine snail, similar to that of a very large oyster, and a local delicacy in Pingtan.

In 2015, Pingtan abalone sold on the market at 140 yuan per kilogram, and despite rising to 160 yuan per kg in just a year, the local appetite for the delicacy has not diminished.

Local seller Shi, told reporters he'd sold out of his first batch of 20 kg of abalone first thing in the morning, with customers asking him for when he will get some more in.

"Abalone taste the best right now," Nian, a local abalone farmer, said, "They have all grown really well thanks to the mild weather this year."

Nian pulls in about 250 kg of abalone each day, netting him a pretty penny in sales thanks to the fierce demand.

Although the abalone bred in Aoqian waters have come to the market, those bred in other areas haven't. As a result, the abalone supply has decreased compared with last year, and the short supply has contributed to the price rise, said Zhou Xiaowen, an aquatic technician in Pingtan.

Zhou warned farmers not to pick too many premature abalone, in order to ensure a good harvest season next year as well.

Abalone farmers retrieve their catches in Pingtan, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Alluring abalone in a basket is ready to be brought to market in Pingtan, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]