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Fresh Sea Urchin
Seafood
Nutri-ScoreA

Fresh Sea Urchin

Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Fresh Sea Urchin provides 150 kcal, 10g of protein, 2g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Fresh sea urchin is a delicacy known for its unique flavor and creamy texture, often enjoyed raw in sushi or sashimi. It is rich in nutrients and provides a variety of health benefits.

Also known as:
Uni (Japan)Erizo (Spain)Oursin (France)
Scientific NameStrongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Region of OriginVarious coastal regions worldwide, particularly in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories150 kcal
Water
80%
Fiber0g
Total17.0g
Protein
10g(59%)
Fats
5g(29%)
Carbohydrates
2g(12%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C5 mg (6%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.02 mg (2%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)0.5 mg (3%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.2 mg (4%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (6%)
Vitamin B1210 µg (417%)
Choline50 mg (9%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0.5 mgVitamin D: 0 mgVitamin E: 0.2 mgVitamin K: 0 mgFolate: 5 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium50 mg (5%)
Iron1 mg (6%)
Magnesium20 mg (5%)
Phosphorus100 mg (10%)
Potassium200 mg (4%)
Zinc1 mg (9%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Manganese0.1 mg (5%)
Selenium10 µg (18%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function.
Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health, including Vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve function.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best enjoyed raw, served in sushi or sashimi, or as a topping for pasta dishes. Ensure freshness by sourcing from reputable suppliers.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose sea urchins that are heavy for their size and have a clean, ocean smell. Avoid any that are cracked or have an off odor.

How to Store

Store in the refrigerator on ice or in a cool place, and consume within a day or two for best quality.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Antioxidant properties, Supports immune function.
Main Applications
Culinary use in gourmet dishes
Nutritional supplement for omega-3 intake
Bioactive Compounds
Omega-3 fatty acids

Promote cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.

Astaxanthin

Powerful antioxidant that may support skin health.

How to Consume
Raw, Sushi, Sashimi, Pasta topping
Did you know?

"Sea urchins have been consumed for centuries and are considered a delicacy in many cultures, particularly in Japan."

Myths vs Realities

MythSea urchin is only for gourmet chefs.
RealitySea urchin can be enjoyed by anyone and is easy to prepare at home.
MythAll sea urchins are poisonous.
RealityMost sea urchins are safe to eat, but some species should be avoided.
MythSea urchin is not nutritious.
RealitySea urchin is highly nutritious, packed with protein and essential fatty acids.

Healthy Recipes

Sea Urchin Ceviche with Avocado

A refreshing ceviche featuring fresh sea urchin, lime juice, and creamy avocado, perfect for a light summer meal.

Ingredients
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine lime juice, red onion, jalapeño, and salt; let it marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. 2. Add the diced avocado and fresh sea urchin to the mixture, gently folding to combine.
  3. 3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve chilled.

Grilled Sea Urchin on Quinoa Salad

This dish features grilled sea urchin served atop a bed of fluffy quinoa and vibrant vegetables, making it a nutritious powerhouse.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
  2. 2. Grill the sea urchins for 2-3 minutes on each side until slightly charred.
  3. 3. In a bowl, mix quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; serve with grilled sea urchin on top.

Sea Urchin and Cauliflower Puree

A silky cauliflower puree topped with fresh sea urchin, offering a luxurious yet healthy side dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Steam the cauliflower until tender, then blend with vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. 2. Spoon the puree onto plates and top with fresh sea urchin.
  3. 3. Drizzle with a little more olive oil before serving.

Sea Urchin Sushi Rolls

Delicate sushi rolls filled with fresh sea urchin and cucumber, perfect for a healthy and elegant meal.

Ingredients
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 1 cup sushi rice, cooked
  • 4 sheets nori
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • Soy sauce for dipping
  • Wasabi to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over it.
  2. 2. Place fresh sea urchin and cucumber in the center, then roll tightly.
  3. 3. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Sea Urchin and Zucchini Noodles

A light and healthy dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles topped with fresh sea urchin and a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated parmesan for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, toss spiralized zucchini with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Plate the zucchini noodles and top with fresh sea urchin.
  3. 3. Sprinkle with grated parmesan before serving.

Sea Urchin and Asparagus Salad

A vibrant salad featuring blanched asparagus and fresh sea urchin, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
  2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Toss asparagus with the vinaigrette and top with fresh sea urchin before serving.

Sea Urchin and Sweet Potato Mash

Creamy sweet potato mash topped with fresh sea urchin, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Spoon the mash onto plates and top with fresh sea urchin.
  3. 3. Serve warm as a side dish.

Sea Urchin Tacos with Mango Salsa

Delicious tacos filled with fresh sea urchin and topped with a sweet and spicy mango salsa for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 4 small corn tortillas
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro to make the salsa.
  2. 2. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet and fill each with fresh sea urchin.
  3. 3. Top with mango salsa and serve immediately.

Sea Urchin and Spinach Frittata

A protein-packed frittata featuring fresh sea urchin and spinach, perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; stir in spinach and fresh sea urchin.
  3. 3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet, pour in the egg mixture, and cook until edges set; transfer to the oven to finish cooking.

Sea Urchin and Beetroot Carpaccio

A stunning carpaccio of thinly sliced beetroot topped with fresh sea urchin, creating a visually appealing and nutritious dish.

Ingredients
  • 200g fresh sea urchin
  • 2 medium beetroots, cooked and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Microgreens for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Arrange the beetroot slices on a plate in a circular pattern.
  2. 2. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Top with fresh sea urchin and garnish with microgreens before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does fresh sea urchin taste like?

Fresh sea urchin has a rich, briny flavor with a creamy texture, often described as tasting like the ocean.

How should I store fresh sea urchin?

Store fresh sea urchin in the refrigerator, ideally in a container with ice to maintain freshness.

Can I eat sea urchin raw?

Yes, fresh sea urchin is commonly eaten raw in sushi and sashimi.

Is sea urchin healthy?

Yes, it is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.

How do I know if sea urchin is fresh?

Fresh sea urchin should have a clean, ocean-like smell and a firm texture.

What are the health benefits of eating sea urchin?

Sea urchin is rich in nutrients that support heart health, brain function, and immune health.

Are there any risks associated with eating sea urchin?

Individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid sea urchin.

How is sea urchin harvested?

Sea urchins are typically harvested by divers or through aquaculture methods.