Trepang. Sea cucumber. An edible sea slug with tentacles at one end, treasured for its gelatinous texture in some parts of the world. It is usually available dried in the West, it should be soaked for 24 hours before use.
Shiitake mushrooms, which may be grilled or used in soups and stews. In Russia they are frequently pickled.
Mugwort, wormwood, the leaves of which are mixed with mochi rice flour, the flour that is used to make sticky rice-cakes, to make kusamochi, special treats.
