Dried sea cucumber can be eaten raw, but it's generally not recommended due to its insipid flavor and slippery texture. It's typically combined with other ingredients like meats, seafood, and spices to add flavor. Fresh or frozen sea cucumber can be found in Asian markets, and the process of rehydrating dried sea cucumber can take several days. Despite its eccentric appearance, sea cucumber is considered a delicacy in East and Southeast Asian cuisine and is used in fresh or dried form in various dishes. It can also be stored for up to three years in a cool, dry place. It's important to note that when buying dried sea cucumber, choose a package with minimal white film on the outside as it can make cleaning difficult. Fresh sea cucumber that has already been cleaned and soaked is usually available in Asian markets in the cold food section or in containers with water. For the dried sea cucumber, you definitely won't eat it unprepared or uncooked. The process of rehydrating dried sea cucumber should start in advance, as it can take several days (usually four to six days). Frozen sea cucumber that has been thawed in the refrigerator overnight can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. The most expensive type, the thorny sea cucumber, is elongated and dark in color, with a thorny exterior. Despite its eccentric appearance, sea cucumber is one of the four most prestigious types of dried seafood in Chinese cuisine and is part of some refined dishes that celebrate Chinese New Year. As a food, sea cucumbers are used in fresh or dried form in various cuisines, especially in East and Southeast Asia, where they are considered a delicacy. Dried sea cucumber can be stored in its original packaging in a cool, dry place such as the pantry for up to three years. Sea cucumber has a very neutral flavor and is quite bland, but it will acquire the flavors of the other ingredients with which it is cooked. A Qing book that analyzes the medicinal qualities of herbs and other food ingredients goes one step further and proclaims the ability of sea cucumbers to improve men's urological abilities. Farmed sea cucumbers or those caught in Central and North America, the Middle East, Australia and the South Pacific can be found at low prices. Due to the delicate texture of the sea cucumber, it should be added at the end of the recipe so that it does not fall apart during cooking. Also, choose a package in which there is not a lot of white film on the outside of the sea cucumbers, as this will make it difficult to clean them. The sea cucumber with a white nipple is named after its white skin with white dots and comes from Indonesia, Australia and Africa. If you bought dried sea cucumber, the guts were most likely removed (if not, you'll have to do it yourself). Depending on where you travel to, you'll find it called everything from the romantic êche-de-mer to the slightly less attractive sea rat. Like tofu, sea cucumber is tasteless, but it has the ability to absorb the flavors of the foods and condiments with which it is cooked.
Sherman Downard
Experienced Chef, who specialises in dried seafood recipes and ingredient selection. Dried Sea cucumber, Dried scallops, abalone, fish maw and most of Asian favourites. Freelance enthusiast. Certified social media practitioner. Extreme fusion recipes lab