Dried Starfish (Asterias amurensis) — Whole Sea Star for Herbal Wine Infusion & Display

Dried Starfish (Asterias amurensis), known in Chinese as Hǎi Xīng (海星) and traditionally referred to as Wǔ Zhǐ Hǎi Xīng (五指海星, "Five-Finger Starfish"), is the whole dried sea star of the multi-spined sea star family, long used in coastal Chinese folk practice as a traditional herbal wine-infusion ingredient. Its nature is salty and neutral, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is associated with softening hardness, dispersing nodules, and harmonizing the Middle Burner. Beyond its folk wellness role, its striking five-armed form makes it a distinctive natural display piece.

Key Selling Points

• Whole dried multi-spined sea star (Asterias amurensis)
• Traditional coastal ingredient for herbal wine infusion
• Five-armed Wǔ Zhǐ Hǎi Xīng form, naturally preserved
• Also prized as a natural decorative specimen
• New-crop stock, 500g per pack

Quality & Sensory

Each starfish is sun-dried and air-cured to preserve its firm, chalky-crisp texture and its characteristic five-armed silhouette. The surface shows a pale ivory to sandy-beige tone with subtle grey-brown mottling along the spines. When placed in wine, it slowly releases a faint briny, mineral aroma, and the infusion takes on a light amber tint with a mild saline note.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal wine infusion (泡酒料)
• Natural decorative display and coastal-themed decor
• Folk coastal wellness preparations
• Collector's natural history specimen
• Craft and educational use

Traditional Uses

In coastal Chinese folk practice, dried starfish is placed into grain liquor as part of a traditional wine-infusion formula, often combined with other marine and botanical ingredients and left to steep for months. It is also kept as a household display piece, its five arms symbolizing balance and the five directions. In some regional traditions, it is simmered in small amounts as part of folk preparations, though it is more commonly used for infusion and ornamentation than for daily cooking.

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