Hiyama Haishen Dried Sea Cucumber (Hokkaido): season, origin and where to buy

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Hiyama Haishen are dried sea cucumbers caught in waters close to the shore and processed locally. They are impressive in their spiny, parapodia-covered appearance. They can be rehydrated in water and cooked without losing their shape. The flesh is thick and pleasantly glutinous and resilient. Desalting is not required, making them easier to prepare. Valued as "cishen" in Chinese cooking, they are rated highly by users.

Link with the production area

Abundance of rocky reefs with good availability of sandy ground makes the local coastal areas an ideal habitat for sea cucumbers. Locally caught sea cucumbers are notable for their spiny exterior and excellent quality. Production is carried out mostly by local sea cucumber fisherpeople and their families. Fresh sea cucumbers are carefully dried and processed without preserving in salt.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s92.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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It is offered as a furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) gift by Otobe Town and Esashi Town.

FAQ

Dried sea cucumber made from sea cucumbers caught off the Hiyama coast of Hokkaido and carefully dried locally without salting. Prized for its well-formed spiky shape, it rehydrates thick, springy and intact, and is valued as a premium ingredient in Chinese cuisine.

Hiyama Haishen Dried Sea Cucumber is produced in Setana Town (Kudo County), Yakumo Town (Futami County), Otobe Town (Nishi County), Esashi Town and Kaminokuni Town (Hiyama County), and Okushiri Town (Okushiri County), Hokkaido.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation). Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Hiyama Haishen Dried Sea Cucumber was registered as a Geographical Indication on March 30, 2020 (Registration No. 92). The registered producer group is Hiyama Fisheries Cooperative.