How to distinguish between good and bad dried sea cucumbers

The quality of dried sea cucumber can be distinguished by five aspects: appearance, color, odor, texture, and foaming rate.

1. Appearance

High quality dried sea cucumber has a complete appearance, full body, straight and neatly arranged spikes, and no obvious defects or deformations. Poor quality dried sea cucumbers may have broken spines, shriveled or distorted shapes, and some products may have cracks or dents on the surface due to improper processing. When observing, it is important to pay attention to whether the incision on the belly of sea cucumbers is neat. artificially spliced sea cucumbers often have rough incisions.

2. Color

Normal dried sea cucumber appears black brown or dark gray, with a natural luster on the surface and uniform color without spots. Sea cucumbers with added sugar or alum will appear unnaturally black and shiny, or have white crystals in some areas. The color of dyed sea cucumber is too uniform and easily fades after soaking, while the color of natural sea cucumber may vary slightly depending on the part.

3. Odor

Good quality dried sea cucumber has a slight fishy smell, without any odor or chemical agent odor. Poor quality products may emit a sour, moldy, or pungent sulfur odor, which is often caused by excessive preservatives or improper storage. When purchasing, gently rub the surface of the sea cucumber. If there is any residual odor on your hands, you need to choose carefully.

4. Texture

High quality dried sea cucumber has a hard and dry texture, with a crisp sound when struck, and the body is not easily bent. Adulterated sea cucumbers may have a soft texture due to the addition of sugar, or a damp surface due to excessive salt content. When broken by hand, good sea cucumbers have a neat honeycomb shaped cross-section, while inferior ones may have a powdery or impurity containing cross-section.

Fifth, soaking rate

After soaking, the volume of processed dried sea cucumber can increase to more than three times its original volume, and the ginseng body is thick and elastic. Poor quality products have a low foaming rate, which may result in prolonged soaking without softening, internal hard cores, or loose and fragile parts. During testing, small samples can be taken and soaked in warm water to observe their degree of water absorption, expansion, and morphological changes.

When purchasing dried sea cucumber, it is recommended to choose products from legitimate channels and pay attention to checking the production date and shelf life. When storing, it should be placed in a cool and dry place, avoiding moisture or direct sunlight. Before consumption, it is necessary to fully soak and clean to remove residual impurities. For individuals with special physical conditions, it is recommended to try a small amount for the first time to observe whether allergic reactions occur. If any abnormal discoloration, odor or mold is found in sea cucumbers, they should be immediately stopped from consumption.