Short-spined sea urchin nigiri

Short-spined sea urchin (Ezobafun uni)

【Nigiri sushi: Gyoran】
What is Ezobafununi?
Ezobafun uni (Short-spined sea urchin) is distributed in the Tohoku region to Hokkaido from the intertidal zone to depths of up to 70 m. Their shell diameter is approximately 5 cm. The spines are short, dull dark green, or purplish. The spawning season is from July to October.

What does Ezobafun uni (Short-spined sea urchin) nigiri sushi taste like?
Valued as the highest quality of sea urchin. Ezobafun uni has a fine texture and when you take a bite you’ll notice its sticky sweetness as it gently melts in your mouth, leaving a unique, strong aftertaste. It is mainly eaten as Gunkan-maki.

What is the difference between Short-spined sea urchins and Green sea urchins?
While they are very similar to Green sea urchins (Bafun uni), Short-spined sea urchins (Ezobafun uni) are a size larger and have thick spines. Green sea urchins are 5cm in diameter and Short-spined sea urchins are 10cm in diameter. Green sea urchins are distributed from the southern areas of Hokkaido down to Kyushu. Short-spined sea urchins are mainly distributed in the Hokkaido and Tohoku areas. The most commonly eaten green sea urchins that are Short-spined sea urchins.

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