Look at the shape: High-quality fresh sea cucumbers are usually intact, smooth and elastic, and have a natural dark brown or brownish-black color. If the surface of the sea cucumber is obviously damaged or the color is unusually bright, it may have been chemically treated or not very fresh.
Inspect the touch: It is best to gently touch the sea cucumber with your hand, and it has a firm and elastic texture. If the sea cucumber is soft to the touch, it may have spoiled or has too much moisture and should not be purchased.
Smell the smell: Fresh sea cucumber should have a faint smell of seawater. If it smells pungent or has other odors, it may be a sign of bleaching or other chemical treatment and should be avoided.
Look at the cutouts: If possible, ask the merchant to cut a section of sea cucumber for inspection. The cut surface of fresh sea cucumber should be homogeneous and fleshy, clean and free of impurities. If there is obvious delamination or uneven color at the incision, it may be an inferior sea cucumber.
Know where it comes from: The origin of sea cucumber also affects its quality. Generally speaking, sea cucumbers from cold seas are of good quality, such as Russia, Canada and the northern coastal areas of China. Sea cucumbers in these areas are richer in nutrients due to their harsh growth environment and long growth cycle.
Ask about the harvesting method: Wild sea cucumbers and farmed sea cucumbers are also different in taste and nutrition. Traditional wild sea cucumbers usually taste better, but they are also relatively high. Cultured sea cucumbers, on the other hand, are relatively economical. Asking about sea cucumbers and how they are harvested can help you better judge their quality.
Pay attention to the seasons: Sea cucumbers also have the best season to eat, and generally speaking, spring is the fattest time for sea cucumbers. The sea cucumbers purchased during this period are relatively high in both taste and nutritional value.
Consider the processing method: There are generally three types of fresh sea cucumbers on the market: fresh, watered and dried. Live sea cucumbers are processed immediately after being caught directly from the sea, preserving the most primitive nutrients; The sea cucumber is dehydrated and then swollen with water, and the nutritional value is slightly lost; Dried sea cucumber is a completely dehydrated product that needs to be soaked before cooking. Choose the right processing method according to your actual needs.