It is a brave person who tries the uniquely shaped sea cucumber for the first time. One really couldn't say it looks beautiful or tasty, even as a pleasantry, but its texture and aroma are beyond compare. Once you have tried sea cucumber you will never forget it.

For something so delicious, it is unexpectedly unattractive to look at. It is probably as ugly as a stonefish is in the fish world. This ugly but incomparably delicious creature is quite expensive, however, so it is a rare treat.

The rubbery texture of sea cucumber is quite fun, but it poses difficulties for older people with weak teeth. So that everybody can enjoy the pleasures of sea cucumber, here it is briefly boiled in bancha (ordinary-grade green tea). Sea cucumber is great with grated daikon radish and ponzu*, and makes an ideal snack with sake on a cold winter's day.


*Ponzu: A sauce made with citrus juice or rice vinegar, soy sauce, mirin and/or sake, kombu kelp and bonito flakes.