Pacific Urchin
Strongylocentrotus franciscanus
Anna (l), our Lady Viking, shows off a fresh haul of California urchin.
Delicious Conservation
The “perfect storm” of ecological impacts illustration by A. Amrhein
Kelp forests are the fastest growing plants on earth and can grow up to 2-feet per day. But the kelp forests are under threat due to what is called the “perfect storm” of challenges that have meant a decrease of up to 93% of what they should be.
Kelp offer much needed food, shelter and shade to a variety of marine species, but they have been mowed by an overpopulation of sea urchins. They play a key role in the marine environment and are facing environmental collapse.
How do we help? By eating the urchins before they have a chance to pinch off the new kelp growth.
Uni is the Japanese word for the edible part of the urchin. I t refers to the 5 “tongues” or lobes which are the reproductive organs, or gonads, of the urchin.
Uni is graded A, B, or C by color, texture and freshness. It should be bright, firm and sweet.
