UNI – J Passport Selection

How is UNI
from Toyosu Direct different ?

It is often said that finding delicious uni can be more challenging compared to other seafood.

One reason for this is that uni is considered a mysterious food because its taste is not related to its color or shape.

Therefore, it is difficult for ordinary people to judge its quality based on appearance alone.

While it would be ideal to rely on a buyer who has expertise in judging uni quality, establishing a direct connection with a buyer can also be challenging.

As a result, it is extremely difficult for the general public to obtain good quality uni from Tsukiji Fish Market.

Furthermore, acquiring the "Number 01 Card" of the day, which represents the highest grade uni available, is considered difficult even within Japan.

Toyosu Direct, however, can deliver such high-grade uni to your home in Singapore through our exclusive buyer.

The best of best UNI all over Japan

It's a Mysterious seafood

Uni remain a mysterious delicacy that is often reserved for connoisseurs and professionals. It is typically associated with sushi restaurants. Similarly, at the Toyosu market, there is limited knowledge among brokers regarding the origins and optimal seasonal flavors of Uni. Toyosu Direct offers carefully selected Uni sourced by experienced buyers who possess comprehensive knowledge of this delicacy.

The Color of Uni does not have much influence on its taste

The color of uni can vary, and it is influenced by factors such as their diet, age, and gender. Uni are hermaphrodites, starting as females and later transitioning to males as they grow. The part we consume is called the gonad, which refers to both the ovaries (in females) and testes (in males). There is little difference in the gonads between males and females, and they are not separated or packed separately. It is commonly believed that females have lighter colors while males have darker colors, but it is not clear whether this distinction is due to gender or simply the result of aging. Additionally, the color can also be influenced by the type (color) of seaweed in their diet. Ultimately, the relationship between color and taste is not straightforward and clearly understood.

How Buyers select the best ones?

When it comes to determining the quality of uni at their place of origin, it can be challenging to assess the raw material based solely on appearance. Identifying uni that have consumed a favorable diet is difficult by external appearance alone, and there is an element of uncertainty that can only be resolved by opening them up. Furthermore, even after opening them up, it remains challenging to discern the taste based on visual cues, as mentioned earlier. Therefore, acquiring high-quality uni requires a high level of expertise and discernment. Experienced buyers with a wealth of exposure to numerous uni have developed an AI-like ability to identify indicators of excellent uni quality.

Taste of Uni is determined by their food

The taste differences in uni are influenced by two main factors: their diet and the use of alum. Uni primarily consume seaweed, with kelp being the preferred type for enhancing their flavor. Alum is used as an additive to preserve the shape of uni, but it is nearly tasteless despite common beliefs about its bitterness. While premium-grade uni may contain alum, the association of using alum with a worse taste likely arises from its use in lower-quality or less fresh uni. In summary, the key factors determining the taste of uni are their diet, particularly the type of seaweed consumed, and the use of alum, which may or may not significantly affect the taste.

The Value of 01 Card

Uni auctioned at Toyosu market is placed with numbered cards. These numbers represent the ranking of the uni based on its quality for that day. At Toyosu Direct, we offer a selection of uni starting from grade 01, which signifies the best uni of the day at Toyosu market. Grade 01 uni is considered difficult to obtain even within Japan and holds significant value. To verify its status as the top-ranked uni of the day, it is shipped to sushi restaurants and other establishments with the accompanying numbered card.