Description Closely related to sea stars and sea urchins, sea cucumbers are marine animals with a round elongated body and a mouth on one end, having lots of tentacles for feeding. Shaped like a cucumber, sea cucumbers have a leathery skin with a distinctly phallic appearance. They are found in all the oceans in warm shallow waters and sometimes at great depths as well. Sea cucumbers are used in fresh or dried form in various cuisines. In some cultural contexts the sea cucumber is thought to have healthy value. Hsu’s Ginseng provides the highest quality and selection of sea cucumber products from Mexican. Our unique dehydration process in GMP facility allows us to produce highest grade, fully dried sea cucumbers while still retaining the majority of its nutritional value. [Preparation and use of sea cucumber] To prepare the sea cucumber after it is collected, the internal organs are removed, and dirt and sand are washed out of the cavity. It is then boiled in salty water and dried in the air to preserve it. When readied for use in making food, the hard, dried sea cucumber is softened. The process is quite lengthy, which is why this food tends to appear at special dinners and banquets more so than in day-to-day cuisine. To soften the dried sea cucumbers, the steps are: -place the sea cucumbers in a pot and add cold water to cover; -soak for at least 1-2 days, change water per every 12 hours; -then cook over low heat for 20 to 40 minute; let cool to room temperature, then drain. -clean and remove its internal organs -add more water to make sure that the water covers the cucumbers; store in refrigerator for about 72 hours; change water per every 12 hours; then its ready to use.