Meta‐analysis on nutrition studies modulating sea urchin roe growth, colour and taste

Abstract

Sea urchin roe is highly appreciated worldwide as a gourmet product comparable to caviar. Research in echinoculture mainly focus on the production of high-quality roe which stands for large golden orange to yellow gonads with a distinct, sweet ocean taste known as uni. The scientific approaches to manipulate roe quality are diverse in terms of targeted species and manipulated factors as nutrition, environmental and husbandry conditions. In this study, a meta-analysis approach was applied to systematically review the research conducted between 2000 and 2017 aiming to enhance the sea urchin roe quality. The 48 studies selected and analysed here show that those targeting the growth of gonads were successful, independently of the selected species, the rearing system adopted, or the diet or nutrient tested. In contrast, most trials focusing on colour manipulation resulted in roe colour similar to the control group (sea urchins fed with algae). Only six studies aiming to enhance roe taste were selected but described inconclusive results. In conclusion, while the production of large gonads seems easily achievable, the enhancement of its colour and taste is still a challenge.

Effects of Supplementary Kelp Feeding on the Growth, Gonad Yield, and Nutritional and Organoleptic Quality of Subadult Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) with Soya Lecithin Intake History

“…Global climate change, tight fisheries management, rapidly rising market demand, and habitat destruction [2][3][4] have led to a shortage of wild sea urchins. Sea urchin farming has become a good response to fill the shortage of wild resources [5]. Dalian Ocean University imported Strongylocentrotus intermedius from Japan to China in 1989 [6].…”

Proximate and Mineral Composition of the Long Spined Sea Urchin (Diadema setosum) Roe

“…However, the nutrient composition of other species such as Stomopneustes variolaris [21], [22], Paracentrotus lividus [15] and Echinometra vanbrunti [23] have been studied to ensure their suitability for human consumption. From the health point of view, sea urchin roe has high nutritional value as compared to other seafoods which consists of mainly, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals [24], [25], [26], [27]. In Malaysia, D. setosum is still under-consumed, mainly because it is not part of local gastronomic culture except in some local villages in Sabah.…”

Comparative morpho‐physiological aspects and transcriptomics of the gonads from wild caught and enhanced green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis)

“…Several studies have been conducted on sea urchin roe enhancement, using both manufactured and algal diets. Lourenço et al (2019) reviewed roe enhancement studies from 2000-2017 and concluded that all sea urchins fed pellets easily develop large gonads, but further research is needed on amino acid composition of the feed and carotenoid content in relation to taste and colour. The texture of enhanced gonads is also known to be softer and more granular (Siikavuopio et al, 2007).…”