Can Starfish Be Eaten? Keep These Points in Mind Before Eating

Starfish are marine creatures that can be eaten, but not all species are suitable for consumption. Along the coast of China, commonly found species such as the multi-spined sea star (Asterias amurensis) can be used in cooking after processing; locals usually steam them and eat the gonads inside, which have a texture somewhat like sea urchin roe and carry a strong seafood flavor.

When eating starfish, you generally want to choose live, fresh individuals; starfish that have been dead too long spoil easily and should not be eaten. The usual method is to clean them thoroughly, then steam or boil them; after steaming, pry open the dorsal shell and take out the yellowish-brown edible portion on the inner side. During preparation, be careful to remove the internal organs and sand, keeping only the clean parts to eat.

It is worth noting that starfish are benthic organisms that feed on shellfish, so their bodies may accumulate pollutants and heavy metals from seawater, and they should not be eaten in large quantities at one time. People allergic to seafood should try them with caution, and they must be heated thoroughly when cooked; do not eat them raw. If discomfort occurs after eating, seek medical attention promptly.

In shellfish farming areas, starfish prey on clams, oysters and other economically important shellfish, and are often regarded as pests; sometimes they appear in large numbers and can affect aquaculture production. Catching and using them, and bringing them to the table, can be seen as a way of turning a nuisance into a benefit, but starfish are ultimately a niche seafood, mostly eaten for novelty, and cannot be considered a mainstream ingredient.