Sea urchins are pure marine essence. Relative of the stars, this unknown and magical animal moves slowly along the seabed with its mobile spines. Measuring between 5 and 8 centimeters in diameter, they hardly weigh anything and their capture requires time and patience.
Because of their spikes and their habitat, they are usually found in rocky and dark areas, often deep, so they can only be caught one by one and usually by professional divers.
In addition, they have a long gastronomic history, since according to history Greeks and Romans already enjoyed them as an appetizer. Although in Galicia there is very little gastronomic tradition for the sea urchin, in Catalonia and the Valencian Community it is highly valued. In fact, it is one of the jewels of Mediterranean gastronomy for its intense and special flavor.
You are still in time to taste sea urchins in Balandros.
If you are one of those people in love with sea urchins and their intense flavor, you are in luck. We can still taste them, since the weather is allowing the season to lengthen a little. Take advantage of these last days to taste this marvel that gives us the sea in the Balandros restaurant in Denia.
Curiosities of sea urchins
Its shell, covered with spines, can be green, brown or lilac in color: an intense and beautiful violet, it reserves in its interior one of the best marine delicacies. An exquisite caviar that is spread in 5 parts (yolks) to spoon and enjoy the most concentrated essence of the sea.
The yolks are usually reddish or orange in color in the case of females, paler in the case of males. And as in other seafood, it is usually the females that have the best flavor.
Sea urchins do not require major culinary intervention, as you know, the better the product, the less you have to touch it. Natural or simply cooked, they are a mouthful difficult to forget.
Its flavor is intense, between sweet and salty, some define it as iodized. Its texture: soft and creamy, delicious.
Discover here, some tips on how to open and clean sea urchins correctly.
So, we are waiting for you at Balandros Restaurant to say goodbye to the sea urchin season. There is no better way than tasting them in such a magical environment as the one that is experienced from the Real Club Náutico de Dénia. See you!