How to judge the quality of sea cucumber

The quality of sea cucumber can be comprehensively judged by its appearance, color, odor, elasticity, and dryness. High quality sea cucumbers usually have the characteristics of intact appearance, natural color, light odor, good elasticity, and moderate dryness.

1. Appearance

High quality sea cucumber has a complete appearance, with no obvious defects or cracks on the surface, and evenly distributed and full spike like protrusions. Poor quality sea cucumbers may experience breakage, deformation, or spiky detachment. Wild sea cucumbers, due to their natural growth environment, typically have a more irregular appearance but a denser texture compared to farmed sea cucumbers.

2. Color

Normal dried sea cucumber is black brown or gray brown in color, with a natural luster on the surface. The color of dyed sea cucumber is too uniform and bright, and it is prone to fading after soaking. Light dried sea cucumber retains more of its original color, while salt dried sea cucumber may have white salt frost on its surface, but there should be no abnormal patches.

III. Odor

High quality sea cucumber has a slight fishy smell, without any pungent chemical or putrid odor. Sea cucumbers soaked in caustic soda may have residual irritating odors, and moldy sea cucumbers may produce unpleasant odors. The scent of sea cucumber treated with light drying technology is closer to its native state.

4. Elasticity

High quality dried sea cucumbers have thick and elastic flesh after soaking, and can quickly rebound when pressed. Poor quality sea cucumber has a soft and fragile texture after soaking, with poor elasticity. The meat quality of wild sea cucumbers is usually firmer and has a higher collagen content than that of farmed sea cucumbers.

V. Dryness

The standard moisture content of dried sea cucumber is less than 15%, and it feels dry, hard, and crisp to the touch. Adulterated sea cucumbers may retain too much moisture for weight gain, resulting in a soft texture. Dried sea cucumber is lighter than salt dried sea cucumber, but excessive drying may lead to nutrient loss.

When purchasing sea cucumber, it is recommended to choose products from legitimate channels and pay attention to checking the quality inspection report. When soaking hair, use pure water to slow down at low temperatures to avoid nutrient loss. 10-20 grams per serving is recommended for daily consumption, and high protein allergy sufferers should use it with caution. Pairing with ingredients such as millet and shiitake mushrooms can increase absorption rate, and postoperative recovery patients can increase their consumption frequency appropriately, but the single dose should be controlled.