Sea Cucumber

While you may not be familiar with sea cucumbers, they are considered a delicacy in many Asian cultures. Far from being vegetables, sea cucumbers are marine animals that live on sea floors around the world, with the largest populations found in the Pacific Ocean.

Most sea cucumbers have soft, tubular bodies resembling large worms or caterpillars. They are collected by skilled divers or cultivated in managed aquaculture farms to ensure sustainability and quality.

Beyond their culinary appeal, sea cucumbers are also valued in traditional medicine for their rich nutritional content and potential health benefits, making them one of the most sought-after marine delicacies across Asia.

How are sea cucumbers used?

Sea cucumbers have been used as a food source and medicinal ingredient in Asian and Middle Eastern countries for centuries. In fact, they have been fished from the Pacific Ocean for over 170 years. These slug-like animals are used either fresh or dried in various dishes, though the dried form is by far the most commonly used.