Fish
Green Sea Urchin
A tier
Green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis and related greens) is the cold-water staple of Maine, Atlantic Canada, and northern Europe. Uni tends to be bright, clean, and slightly milder than some Pacific purples—excellent for first-time uni eaters and classic Maine hand-cracked service. Peak winter and spring seasons matter. Maine green urchin fisheries are cultural as well as commercial; support legal sizes and seasons.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
Butter SauceHand CrackedSushi
Traits
ApproachableBrightCleanCold WaterMaine AtlanticMild-Bright UniSeasonal Dive
History
US
Maine green sea urchin supported local eating and later export diving fisheries.
CA
Atlantic Canadian green urchin supplied Japanese and domestic markets.
US
Chefs championed Maine green urchin as a cold-water American luxury.