Can Sea Urchin Be Eaten?

Sea urchins are small, spiny invertebrates that are distantly related to sea cucumbers. While they are not commonly consumed in the United States, sea urchins are considered to be a delicacy in many other parts of the world.

Edible Portions

A sea urchin's shell-like body is too tough to eat, but its soft, internal gonads are delicious and easily digested.

Misconceptions

The edible portion of a sea urchin ("uni" in Japanese) is sometimes referred to as "roe," or eggs, but this term is technically inaccurate. Sea urchin gonads often contain roe, but the entire organ is consumed.

Preparation

In Japan, where sea urchin is most popular, this delicacy is most often served raw as sashimi or sushi. In the Mediterranean, cooks may serve it raw with olive oil and lemon, or they may use it to flavor eggs or soups.

Fun Fact

In Japan, sea urchin is traditionally viewed as an aphrodisiac.

Commercial Value

American and Canadian companies harvest sea urchins from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Most of these are exported to Japan and other Asian markets.

Ecological Impact

Environmentalists are increasingly concerned about the rapid harvest rate of sea urchins. The global ecological impact of sea-urchin fishing is unknown.

References

• Sushi FAQ: Sushi Items--Uni