Sea Cucumbers

The Chinese name for this creature of the sea is rather grand for something that is essentially a sea slug. It is called hai shen, or “ginseng of the sea, ” to describe what are considered its healthful properties. They are indeed a healthful, if not attractive, food, with more protein than an equal amount of beef and no cholesterol. The sea cucumber is liked by the elderly, who can digest its softness easily, and I have already noted that males regard it highly as a restorative. Because of its strength-giving properties, it is sometimes referred to in recipes as the black dragon.