Sea Cucumber

Sea Cucumber (Chinese: 海參 / 海黃瓜 / 海鼠 / Hai Shen) is echinoderm from the class Holothuroidea. There are over 900 species of sea cucumbers globally, with the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific regions being the most abundant and largest resource areas. Dried sea cucumber is a processed product of fresh sea cucumber, with nutrients that are easily absorbed by the human body. It also offers easier storage and transportation.

Sea cucumber is revered as one of the 'Eight Treasures' among various precious mountain and sea delicacies.

• 'Bencao Qiuyuan' records that sea cucumber 'moistens the five viscera, nourishes essence, and benefits water regulation.'
• 'Yaoxing Kao' states that sea cucumber 'lowers internal heat, nourishes the kidneys, moistens dryness for relaxing bowels, and alleviates fatigue and weakness.'
• 'Chinese Medicine Dictionary' notes that sea cucumber 'strengthens the kidneys, boosts essence, nourishes the blood, moisturizes dryness, and treats conditions such as menstrua deficiencies, physical debility, erectile dysfunction, nocturnal emission, frequent urination, and difficult bowel movements due to intestinal dryness.'
• 'Bencao Gangmu Shiyi' describes sea cucumber as having a 'sweet and warm nature with no toxins, capable of replenishing kidney yin, generating pulse blood, treating dysentery, and healing ulcers.'"

Sea cucumber is not only a delicacy, it is also a valued medicinal ingredient. Research has shown that sea cucumber is a high-protein, low-fat, low-cholesterol food. It offers numerous health benefits when consumed regularly. These benefits include:

• Helping to delay aging
• Regulating blood lipids
• Enhancing immunity
• Improving sleep and boosting memory
• Supporting kidney health and invigorating the essence
• Nourishing yin and enriching the blood
• Fighting fatigue
• Regulating blood sugar
• Improving osteoporosis
• Promoting growth and development

• Alaska Sea Cucumber 阿拉斯加紅海參

  Also known as red sea cucumber, it belongs to the medium-sized category and is primarily distributed along the coastal waters of North America on the east coast of the Pacific. It is found both in the United States and Canada. Unlike other sea cucumbers, the lightly dried red sea cucumber not only has the taste of seawater but also emits a subtle mellow fragrance. The Alaska red sea cucumber is regarded as the king of sea cucumbers. It features wide, thick, and plump tendons, a fatty body wall; the texture is firm without any bitterness, the flesh is fragrant and sticky, the cut is fine, neat, and even, and the taste is delicious.

• Mexico Dried Sea Cucumber 墨西哥刺參 / 肥仔參

  Mexico Dried Sea Cucumberhas densely packed tube feet, a large and firm sandy mouth. Its flesh spines are clear and upright, and the spines are not sharp. It features wide, thick, and plump tendons, and a fatty body wall; the texture is firm without any bitterness, the flesh is fragrant and sticky, the cut is fine, neat, and even, and the taste is delicious.

• Hei Mi Ci Shen 黑米刺參
• Canadian Dried Sea Cucumber 加拿大海參
• Honduras Dried Sea Cucumber 洪都拉斯荔枝參
• Japan Dried Sea Cucumber (Chong Zi Shen) 日本衝子參
• Japan Kansai Sea Cucumber 日本關西遼參
• Japan Kanto Sea Cucumber 日本關東遼參
• Teatfish Sea Cucumber (Zhu Po Shen) 豬婆參

Sea cucumber is a highly nutritious food with a rich texture and delightful flavor, making it a signature dish at Chinese-style weddings and banquet tables. However, it might be a challenge to cooking enthusiasts when they rehydrate dried sea cucumber. Fortunately, the process is straightforward to master.

Ensure all preparation is done in an oil-free environment

Adding some winter melon peel or pineapple peel to the soaking water can make the sea cucumber easier to clean

The specific soaking time may vary depending on the type and size of the sea cucumber

Disclaimer: The content above is for nutritional education purposes only and is intended for consumer learning and reference. The information does not represent the effectiveness of any product. Consumers are advised to make purchases rationally. This product is not intended to replace medicinal treatments.