From Beach to Plate: Collecting and Cooking The Treasure from the Seashore

Hello everyone. Welcome to my blog. Today, I will introduce to you one of the most interesting activities that I have accomplished, and that is collecting Jumping shells by the beach. While the beach is renowned for its stunning views and is a good place to unwind, it has hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. And now, we will delve into the enjoyment of collecting jumping shells and the excitement it brings to us, as beachcombers.

What are Jumping shells?

_{Life is like a seashore, water maybe high, sometimes low, and sometimes gone. But be a seashell that whatever might come, can still withstand}

Jumping shells, best known in Cebuano-Visaya term as Sikad-sikad is a tiny crustacean that can move swiftly on sandy shores. Here in our province, it is one of the edible seashells that can be found on our shores. But it is not easy to collect this seashell since it can camouflage to its environment which is very difficult to sight. Every low tide is the time for the beachcombers to collect this seashell since it can be easily picked without seawater or have low water levels.

Why we collect Jumping Seashells

The common reason why most people around the world collect seashells is because of the art and designs in the shells. But most Filipinos especially those who are living in the provinces used to collect these seashells because they can be a good viand. Jumping seashell is edible, and abundant on the seashores, and it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Me as a Beachcomber

_{Life is like seawater, sometimes goes up and sometimes goes down, but always keep in mind that even you are in the driest situation, there is always a treasure behind}

After I explored the abandoned Nailon Beach Resort, I decided to go to the seashore since it is already low tide. I see also other people who were collecting edible seashells and sea urchins for food. I feel interested in collecting jumping seashells (it is the only familiar to me aside from scallops and clams)since I can see in the other people's faces the enjoyment of searching and collecting edible seashells and sea urchins. So I decided to get an eco bag and start searching and collecting. It is so tiring at first, very difficult also, but the feeling when you get one, makes you lose all your tiredness. I feel so enjoyed and excited seeing and collecting jumping seashells and sea urchins. It almost took me 2 hours of walking along the seashore searching behind the stones, sands, and seaweeds until I decided to stop. I guess that my collected jumping seashells and sea urchins is enough for our dinner.

How to Prepare Jumping seashells and sea urchins as food?

_{Destiny is fixed but life is an option, like jumping seashells and sea urchins; diversity takes its place and makes someone fits in every situation}

I segregate the Seashells from sea urchins through a large basin. Sea urchins can be eaten fresh by breaking their hard shells and directly getting the uni (sea urchins meat).

_{When life is hard, always remember that the bitter situation always bears sweet fruit if you will not surrender; like a sea urchin that inside its hard thorny shell, hides the delicious uni}

I get all the green slime inside the urchin's shell, and let the uni remains. You can use a spoon to separate the uni from the green slime. The uni is very delicious especially when paired with hot rice.

_{Life is too beautiful when you met someone that gives your life color, as the food in the picture. Deliciously served!!}

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I also clean the Sikad-sikad by using a brush and fresh water. To get all the sand and to get rid of other microorganisms, I brush it thoroughly and wash it many times with fresh water. I also wash it with vinegar and then rinse it well.

_{Even how worst your life was in the past, as long as you did a change for the better, it always bears positive fruit, as the seashells full of sand and soil, when you diligently wash and rinse them well, the result is clean and delicious food}

_{Life is indeed wonderful, like seashells that have art and are colorful}
Ingredients

_{Onion, Garlic, lemongrass, cooking oil, and coconut milk}

-After cleaning, in a casserole, put water and let it boil. Add the Seashells.
-Let it boil for 5 minutes.
-Remove the Casserole from heat and -Set away the Seashells from the water.
-Rinse the Seashells thoroughly.
-In a separate pan, heat a small amount of cooking oil, add the garlic, then the onion.
-Add the Seashell and the lemongrass. Add water if necessary and let it boil for 2 minutes.
-Add the coconut milk and let it boil for a minute.
-Then Add seasonings. Lastly, serve it while hot.

_{Learn to appreciate small things, it will lead us to contentment in life, and to the real happiness. Dream big but learn to appreciate the steps.}
There are different ways how to cook Jumping Seashells, but I prefer this one. Very easy, yet it has a delicious soup. Also, in eating this seashell, we need a needle or a toothpick to get the meat inside the shell. And obviously, don't eat the shell😂😂, just the meat inside it.

Thank you for reading! See you on my next blog.