🍚 Uni-meshi(Sea urchin rice)

The coastal areas of Hagi in Yamaguchi prefecture are a treasure trove of seafood. Sea urchin, a spiky marine creature known for its strong sweetness and rich flavor, is frequently caught, boasting the 7th highest production volume in the country (according to the 2016 Statistical Survey on Marine Fishery Production issued by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries). "Murasaki" (=purple) sea urchins and "Bafun" (=horse-dung) sea urchins are landed. Of note is the "Aka" (=red) Uni, which is harvested from early spring to summer. The sea urchins landed off the coast of Hagi, where abundant seaweed serves as their food source, boast exceptional quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and richness. Due to their high quality, they are considered a luxurious food item and are not commonly found on the daily dining table. However, it is said that when entertaining important guests, they would serve it as "Uni-meshi" (=sea urchin rice). "Uni-meshi" is a dish that differs from "Uni-don," which is a bowl of rice topped with fresh sea urchin. It is a type of rice dish where sea urchin and rice are cooked together, creating a flavorful blend with the aroma of the sea, and a robust taste and sweetness.