Sea Urchin

What Is Sea Urchin?

Sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) is a marine invertebrate known for its spiny, spherical shell. It is common in the rocky, shallow waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean; the orange-yellow gonadal tissue inside the shell, known in cuisines around the world as “uni,” is the edible part.

Its flavor is intense, salty-sweet, and distinctive; it is usually eaten raw. Because the shell is large relative to the small amount of edible flesh, it is considered a prized seafood.

Sea Urchin Nutrition

Sea urchin gonad is a relatively high-calorie seafood; 100 g contains about 172 kcal and 16 g of protein. Public nutrition data specific to this species are limited, so these values should be considered approximate.

What Are the Benefits of Sea Urchin?

With its protein content, sea urchin is a specialty seafood eaten in small amounts as part of a balanced diet.

This is general information: sea urchin is a food and is not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Sea Urchin

Buy sea urchins alive; their spines should move and their shells should be intact.

• The spines should move; motionless spines indicate that the urchin is no longer alive.
• The shell should be intact and uncracked.
• When opened, the gonadal tissue should be a vivid orange-yellow; pale gray tones indicate that it is no longer fresh.

How to Store Sea Urchin

Sea urchin is highly perishable. If purchased alive, it should be eaten the same day, preferably immediately after opening.

How to Use Sea Urchin in the Kitchen

Sea urchin is usually eaten raw with a small spoon directly from its shell; in some cuisines, it is also added to pasta sauce or sushi.

How to Open a Sea Urchin

After putting on thick gloves, use scissors or a specialized knife to cut a circle around the opening of the shell. Open the shell, carefully remove the digestive organs, and leave only the orange-yellow gonadal tissue.

Can You Eat Sea Urchin Raw?

Yes. It is most commonly eaten raw: use a spoon to eat the fresh gonadal tissue directly from the shell, with a few drops of lemon if desired.

What Recipes Use Sea Urchin?

Raw sea urchin appetizer, sea urchin pasta, and uni served on sushi are among the best-known ways to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sea urchin good for?

Sea urchin is a protein-containing seafood eaten in small amounts as part of a balanced diet. It is a food and is not claimed to treat disease.

Which part of a sea urchin is edible?

Only the orange-yellow gonadal tissue inside the shell is eaten; the other internal organs are cleaned out and discarded.

How do you harvest sea urchins?

Sea urchins are generally gathered by hand while diving over rocky seabeds; take care around their spines.

Why is sea urchin expensive?

The amount of edible gonad from one sea urchin is quite small; the labor involved in harvesting it and its highly perishable nature also increase its price.

Can sea urchin be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended; the gonadal tissue loses much of its texture and flavor when frozen, so it is best eaten fresh.