Sea urchins are animals that are typically tiny, spiky, and rounded. They can be found in all of the oceans on the planet, ranging at depth from the tide line to 15,000 feet. They reside on the ocean floor since they are unable to swim. Their hard, spiky test or shell serves as their primary line of defense against more nimble predators like eels and otters. They are available in almost all colors, including white, black, red, orange, green, brown, purple, pink, yellow, blue, and gray. From around an inch in diameter to 14 inches, they come in various sizes and they weigh a pound or so on average.
Sea urchins have an umami-salty sweetness because they are rich in sugar, salt, and amino acids. They often taste like the water and the seaweed they eat, much like oysters. Moreover, all good urchins have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, distinctive flavor that has been compared to eggs, lobster, foie gras, and fish roe.
Sea urchins are a great source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals (including zinc), and beta-carotene. Also abundant in vitamin C and A, which are typically found in winter squash and dark leafy greens. According to the University of Maine, sea urchins are a good source omega-3 fatty acids with few calories similar to many fatty fish like salmon. The American Heart Association claims that omega-3 fatty acids lower your chances of developing heart disease and stroke. And because sea urchins are high in healthful nutrients yet low in calories, they can be a suitable addition to diets intended to help people lose weight. Protein and fatty acids account for the majority of the calories in sea urchins. If you enjoy eating sea urchins, this benefit can be an excellent reason for doing so as the American Heart Association advises eating two meals of omega-3-rich fatty fish every week.
PDO I – Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND
References:
Real food encyclopedia I Sea urchins
https://foodprint.org/real-food/seaurchin/
Sea urchin
https://a-z-animals.com/animals/sea-urchin/
Top 10 Health Benefits of eating seafood
https://seaurchinharvest.com.au/blogs/news/top-10-health-benefits-of-eating-seafood
Nutritional Facts of a sea urchin
https://www.livestrong.com/article/318753-nutritional-facts-of-a-sea-urchin/
What is sea urchin? Learn how to cook sea urchin in 5 easy steps
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-sea-urchin-learn-how-to-cook-sea-urchin-in-5-easy-steps
