Are sea urchins safe to eat?
In Cebu, many enjoy eating sea urchins raw. As long as they’re fished out of clean waters, they make a tasty treat. It’s also a popular ingredient for pasta.
Some may place it on top of rice, like sashimi, or scoop it straight out of its spiky and pointy shell.
Locally called “swaki”, Cebuanos consume shell after shell of this exotic seafood usually around beaches and remote islands.
They are caught fresh from the sea and sold directly to beachgoers by the shore.
They are quite affordable, especially when bought directly from the boats of fishermen. At Bantayan Bay, Cordova, for example, a bucket of swaki costs around Php 150.
When buying them, some fishermen will open it for you so that they’re ready to be eaten.
HOW TO EAT UNOPENED SWAKI
The first step is to locate the “mouth” of the sea urchin, which is typically smooth with less spikes. This part is brittle, which makes it easy to open with your bare hands.
Punch a hole by hitting it with a rock or using a knife, and make it big enough so that you can easily remove what’s inside. The only edible part is the roe or reproductive system stuck on the inside of the shell, which is orange with a star-shaped pattern.
The roe is covered with inedible internal organs, which you will need to clean off with salt water. Simply dip it in the water and shake it so that the innards will fall off. You can remove any leftover parts with your fingers.
Additionally, swaki benefits from salt water as it preserves its freshness while clearing out any pieces of shell, sand, or algae that might be stuck inside.
Once the innards are cleaned off, you will be left with the roe of the urchin, which has a briny, fish-like flavor that will taste similar to other fresh seafood dishes.
Similar to kinilaw, most locals eat swaki with spicy vinegar incorporated into the dish. This is typically sold together with the urchins, but you can also bring your own to adjust to your preferred spiciness or flavor.
Mix the roe in with the vinegar and you can start eating! You can use a spoon or sip directly from the shell for a spicy and delectable snack.
Sea urchin-based dishes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and high quality protein, which help in promoting a healthy heart, better brain function, skin quality, and overall wellness.
SAFETY TIPS FOR EATING SEA URCHINS
Not all sea urchin species are edible, so you should definitely be mindful of when you plan to eat one.
Only live sea urchins are edible, since dead ones are full of bacteria and can potentially be fatal. Determine the urchin’s freshness through its scent, as it should have a certain ocean-like fragrance.
The scientific name for swaki is Tripneustes gratilla, notable for its dark purple body with white or orange spikes.
This is how you can distinguish it from what is commonly called “tuyom”, which is inedible and more dangerous. It is completely black with long spikes.
Speaking of spikes, these can also lead to discomfort, especially if not handled properly. Most will recommend that you open sea urchins with gloves to avoid getting pricked by them.
In the event where gloves are unavailable, you can open the shell with your hands, but you must be very careful. Don’t exert too much force, as this can lead to the spikes piercing your skin.
As mentioned in WebMD (2024), sea urchin stings are usually benign, but there are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Swelling around the area where you were stung
- Sensitivity
- Redness around the entrance point
- Muscle pain
- Infection
- Blue discoloration where the spike pierced the skin
An article published in Healthline (2024) recommends treating sea urchin stings by doing the following:
- Use tweezers to remove the spikes that are stuck to your skin.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Take over-the-counter treatments like Ibuprofen in case of pain.
- Use hydrocortisone cream if the affected area is itchy.
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Sea urchins have been incorporated into many dishes from around the world, with the Philippines using it as a go-to remote island snack. With many health benefits and a distinct umami flavor, it’s no surprise how popular it is.
Indeed, Cebu is one of the best places to try this unique take on uni, with Filipinos often buying buckets by the beach.
What do you think?
Would you want to try this exotic seafood in the Philippines?
REFERENCES:
WebMD Editorial Contributors. 2024. “What to Know About Sea Urchin Stings.” WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/what-to-know-about-sea-urchin-stings
Gotter, Ana. 2024. “Recognizing and Treating Sea Urchin Stings.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/sea-urchin-sting
