Fish
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
A tier
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, the purple sea urchin of the northeast Pacific, yields firm, flavourful uni when animals have been feeding well on kelp. Shells are deep purple with stout spines; divers work cold California, Oregon, and neighbouring waters. Quality varies hard with season and kelp health. Crack, clean, and chill lobes immediately. Purple urchin uni can be more robust than mild green urchin—excellent on rice with minimal garnish. Support fisheries that manage kelp-forest balance.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Indigenous coastal peoples of the Pacific harvested purple urchins for food.
California diving fisheries expanded purple urchin landings for Japanese export and domestic sushi.
Kelp forest declines and urchin barrens reshaped management of S. purpuratus harvests.