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The Delicious and Nutritious World of Edible Sea Cucumbers: Exploring the Ocean’s Superfood

Introducing the ultimate superfood - sea cucumber. This humble creature is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can boost your health and well-being. With its unique blend of nutrients, sea cucumber has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is now gaining recognition as a modern-day superfood. Read on to uncover the fascinating benefits of this aquatic delicacy and discover why it deserves a place on your plate.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Sea cucumbers are a delicacy often found in the deep sea. They are highly prized in cuisine not only for their delicious taste but also for their exceptional health benefits. Today, we will guide you through some of the edible and nutritious sea cucumber species. Let’s dive into this insightful article!

1. White Teat Fish

White teat fish (scientific name: Holothuria nobilis), also known as donkey-ear sea cucumber, is a species of sea cucumber belonging to the Holothuriidae family. They are widely distributed in the tropical Indo-Pacific marine region.

White Teat Fish

White teat fish have a cylindrical or oval-shaped body, with adults typically measuring 40-100mm in diameter and 300-400mm in length. Their back is gray, light brown, or black, with irregular patches of various colors.

The underside is lighter in color and adorned with numerous small legs arranged in longitudinal bands. Two rows of fleshy protuberances resembling teats are visible on both sides.

The price of white teat fish fluctuates between 1,500,000 and 1,700,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

2. White Teat Sea Cucumber

White teat sea cucumber (scientific name: Holothuria fuscogilva) is dubbed the “Ginseng of the Sea.” It is a highly valuable species, typically dwelling at depths of 3-40 meters and found throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

White Teat Sea Cucumber

The white teat sea cucumber boasts a round body, with larger individuals reaching up to 57cm in length and living over 12 years. Its appearance is similar to the white teat fish, but the key distinction lies in its white underside and the white and black patches on its back.

This rare species holds exceptional nutritional value, offering anti-aging properties, wound healing, and benefits for qi and blood, kidney, and yang deficiency.

The price of white teat sea cucumber ranges from 1,700,000 to 2,000,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

3. Pineapple Sea Cucumber

Pineapple sea cucumber (scientific name: Thelenota ananas) is a species of sea cucumber belonging to the Stichopodidae family. It is one of the few sea cucumber species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. It is typically found in the coastal waters of Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Truong Sa, and Tho Chu in Vietnam.

Pineapple Sea Cucumber

The pineapple sea cucumber is a large species, with adults measuring 400-700mm in length. Its body resembles a quadrangle with four elongated sides. The back is slightly curved and adorned with reddish-orange fleshy spines, giving it a resemblance to a pineapple or pomegranate.

The underside is flat and pale pink, with approximately 20 large brown tentacles surrounding the mouth, which is located on the belly. Conical fleshy spines encircle the mouth.

As this species is currently under special cultivation, restoration, and protection by scientists, its harvesting and trading are restricted, making price information unavailable.

4. Breadfruit Sea Cucumber

Breadfruit sea cucumber (scientific name: Actinopyga caerulea Samyn) is a species of sea cucumber in the Holothuriidae family. In Vietnam, they are commonly found along the central coastal areas and islands such as Con Dao, Phu Quoc, and Tho Chu.

The breadfruit sea cucumber stands out from other species with its unique coloration and legs on the underside. Its body resembles an elongated cylinder, bulging in the middle and tapering at both ends.

Breadfruit Sea Cucumber

Adults can grow up to 150-250mm in length and 30-50cm in diameter, with thick body walls. The front of the mouth bears numerous large and short tentacles, which spread out like a fan. The back is a deep brown color and is covered with small, protruding fleshy spines reminiscent of breadfruit spines.

Due to its high nutritional and economic value, over-exploitation has made it rare to spot breadfruit sea cucumbers in Vietnam’s natural environment.

The price of breadfruit sea cucumber fluctuates between 900,000 and 1,000,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

5. Coconut Sea Cucumber

Coconut sea cucumber (scientific name: Actinopyga mauritiana), also known as “banh long,” is currently considered a rare and protected species in Vietnam, with harvesting and fishing prohibited.

The coconut sea cucumber has a round shape, resembling a small ball, and is filled with water. It measures 60-180mm in diameter and 200-300mm in length.

Coconut Sea Cucumber

They inhabit deep-sea regions and have the habit of burying themselves in mud or sand. Their skin is rough and sticky, with a back that can be gray, dark brown, or white, often marked with spots. The underside is equipped with numerous small tubes, which are white and opaque, and they have a short intestine.

The price of coconut sea cucumber ranges from 450,000 to 550,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

6. Black Sea Cucumber

Black sea cucumber (scientific name: Holothuria vagabunda) is a highly nutritious and economically valuable species. They are typically found on the bottoms of shallow coastal rocks, unaffected by the influence of the mainland.

Black sea cucumbers have an oval-shaped body, measuring about 30-40cm in length. They feature 6-8 longitudinal teats on each side and are characterized by a deep black color, with smaller individuals displaying orange or cream spots.

Black Sea Cucumber

These sea cucumbers are packed with exceptional nutritional components, earning them a reputation comparable to ginseng. They are also considered a promising resource for treating incurable diseases.

The price of black sea cucumber ranges from 500,000 to 550,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

7. Sandy Sea Cucumber

Sandy sea cucumber (scientific name: Holothuria scabra) is a soft-bodied species commonly found in shallow coastal waters. The sandy sea cucumber is particularly valued for its high nutritional content and extensive use in medicine.

Sandy Sea Cucumber

Sandy sea cucumbers lack distinct head and tail ends, and they are sightless. Adults can grow up to 20cm in length and have rough, slightly rough, and soft skin. Their mouth is located at one end, surrounded by 5-10 tentacles.

They feed on organic mud and dead animal matter at the bottom of the sea, contributing to a cleaner environment and helping to reduce pollution.

The price of sandy sea cucumber ranges from 700,000 to 800,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

8. Yellow Spiny Sea Cucumber

Yellow spiny sea cucumber (scientific name: Thelenota anax) is a species of sea cucumber in the Stichopodidae family. It is a rare species, typically found at depths of 10-30 meters below the sea surface.

Yellow spiny sea cucumbers can reach impressive lengths of up to 47.5cm, with an average weight ranging from 0.5 to 1 kilogram. Their external appearance resembles a leech, with numerous yellow-orange fleshy spines along the back.

Yellow Spiny Sea Cucumber

These sea cucumbers offer immense nutritional value, especially in treating physical fatigue, difficult urination, and blood deficiency. Unfortunately, the population of yellow spiny sea cucumbers is currently declining at an alarming rate.

The price of yellow spiny sea cucumber ranges from 650,000 to 750,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

9. Red Sea Cucumber

Red sea cucumber (scientific name: Stichopus japonicus Selenka) is a species found in various marine regions worldwide.

Red sea cucumbers have a cylindrical body adorned with fleshy protuberances, colored in shades of red or orange. They are visually appealing, with deep red skin, numerous fleshy spines, and a hairy appearance.

Red Sea Cucumber

Red sea cucumbers have a delicious flavor, a salty taste, and a warming effect. They are a high-quality nutritional product, rich in protein and low in fat and cholesterol. They are ideal for women, offering beauty-enhancing, anti-aging, and dieting benefits.

Currently, red sea cucumbers are in high demand. Their price ranges from 750,000 to 850,000 VND per kilogram (as of 8/2021).

In this article, we have introduced you to several nutritious and health-beneficial sea cucumber species. We hope that you found this information insightful and educational. Thank you for reading!

Frequently asked questions

Edible sea cucumbers are marine animals found in oceans around the world. They are considered a delicacy in many cultures and are also known for their nutritional benefits. Sea cucumbers are a good source of essential fatty acids, proteins, and minerals, and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Sea cucumbers can be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on the cultural and regional traditions. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or pickled. In some cultures, they are used in soups, stews, and stir-fries, while in others, they are enjoyed as a snack or side dish.

Sea cucumbers are believed to have a range of health benefits due to their nutritional content. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect the body against disease and inflammation. Additionally, sea cucumbers are a source of collagen, which is beneficial for skin, joint, and bone health.

As with any new food, it is always advisable to introduce sea cucumbers gradually into your diet and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing health conditions. Some people may be allergic to sea cucumbers, so it is important to exercise caution and be aware of any potential reactions.

You can find edible sea cucumbers in specialty seafood markets or Asian grocery stores. When purchasing, look for ones that are alive and active, with a firm texture. Fresh sea cucumbers can be stored in a cool, dry place for a few days, or they can be frozen for longer-term storage.