community-based dried sea cucumber collection

Personally, I think this is the probably the most authentic way of drying sea cucumber. The whole process of cleaning,boiling, smoking, and drying is conducted in houses on stilts. The stocks are then exposed and dried under the heat of the tropical sun and gets an occasional rush of morning ocean breeze.

This particular community is situated in one of the remote islands of Tawi-tawi. I've seen how collectors and traders process their sea cucumbers in other areas in Mindanao and so far, this is one of the finest drying processes and methods i have witnessed.

Note: This community is not as accessible as other sources but is always worth exploring especially if you want only the finest quality for species like Bulibuli, Susuan, Putian, and Hanginan.

Current Market: There are traders who have forged sweet deals with local collectors in this Island. One way to penetrate these sources is to buy directly from existing traders. When getting from these traders, you are not always ensured that they will offer you the best stocks. You can get the best only if you can outbid their existing clients.

Alternatively, you can choose to contact community-based collectors and forge an agreement with them.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• dried
• sea
• cucumber