iBuddies 識揀識食 / festive ingredients

How to choose dried fish maw (花膠) in Hong Kong: the type ladder, what head-count really means (fewer head = bigger), male vs female (公乸) and which suits braising vs soup, how to spot bleached and plastic fakes, plus soaking and storage. A culinary buying guide.

How to choose dried sea cucumber in Hong Kong: what head-count really means (fewer head = bigger), the variety ladder (spiny vs smooth vs sow), dried vs pre-soaked, how to spot good quality and avoid sugar-loaded product, plus soaking and storage.