Home / Fresh Santa Barbara Uni

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Pick up by next business day*

All orders are automatically packed based on the schedule below, and you must pick up the order by the latest pickup time. We can’t take pre-orders or change your pickup to a future date. Please note we're closed on Sat & Sun.

cutoff earliest latest

Mon 6am

Mon 9:30am-12pm

Tues 7:30am-12pm

Tues 6am

Tues 9:30am-12pm

Wed 7:30am-12pm

Wed 6am

Wed 9:30am-12pm

Thurs 7:30am-12pm

Thurs 6am

Thurs 9:30am-12pm

Fri 7:30am-12pm

Fri 6am

Fri 9:30am-12pm

Fri 9:30am-12pm

DETAILS & FAQ

Do I HAVE TO PICK UP MY ORDER BY THE LATEST PICK UP DATE?

Yes. Please pick up your order on time and before the latest pick up time using the chart above.

CAN I SET A SPECIFIC PICK UP-DATE OR PLACE A SPECIAL ORDER FOR FRESH UNI AHEAD OF TIME?

No. Unfortunately, uni harvesting is influenced by bad weather and scarcity. Our website tracks live inventory and we only pack to order. Once the uni is out of stock on our website, we are sold out until the next weekly batch. Check out our website often since we typically update inventory on Sundays.

DO YOU OFFER SAME DAY PICK UPS?

Yes, if your order is placed before our 6am PST cut off time. During the major holidays, please call us for our hours.

DO YOU PACK YOUR ODERS WITH ICE?

Orders over $50 are packed with ice packs and a free cooler bag.

 

Orders under $50 are packed with ice packs and a plastic bag. Please bring your own cooler if you're traveling for an extended period of time.

CAN SOMEONE ELSE PICK UP MY ORDER?

Yes. Please reach out to us with your order number and let us know who is picking your order up.

QUESTIONS?

click here for common questions & FAQ

Ships overnight by next business day*

All orders are automatically packed based on the schedule below. We can’t take pre-orders or change your delivery to a future date. Please arrange for someone to receive your perishable package.

cutoff ships arrives

Monday 6am

Monday

Tuesday

Tuesday 6am

Tuesday

Wednesday

Wednesday 6am

Wednesday

Thursday

Thursday
to Sunday

no
shipments

no
shipments

DETAILS & FAQ

WHEN WILL MY PACKAGE ARRIVE?

All orders placed after 6am on Wednesday will be shipped out the following Monday.

We recommend you sign up for package notifications from FedEx or UPS directly in the shipping confirmation e-mail. Please have someone receive the package to transfer the perishable items into the refrigerator or freezer. We go to great lengths to ensure your packages are sent out on time and kindly ask for your help. Maruhide Marine Products will not be responsible for packages left out.

 

Delivery times will vary, and we can't guarantee a delivery time for any order. During the holiday season, deliveries may be later than expected. Use the chart for the estimated arrival date.

After we ship out your order, you'll receive a 2nd e-mail with the tracking number (check your spam folder if you don't see it). Orders typically arrive on the next day if there are no delays. We recommend signing up for notifications from UPS or FedEx directly in the shipping e-mail.  

• Days we ship out: Mon, Tues, & Wed.

• Orders placed after the 6am cutoff on Wednesday will be shipped out the following Monday.

• Days we don't ship: Thurs, Friday, Sat, Sun, & certain holidays.

• Times are in pacific standard time (PST)

 

Unexpected Delays

We pack our products with insulation and ice packs to last a few days in case of an unexpected delay in transit. There may be unusual circumstances, such as severe weather, which are out of our control.

We can't guarantee a delivery time for any order. Deliveries may be as late as 8-9pm in some rural areas, especially during holidays.

In the event of a package delay, please contact us.

HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING?

We're passionate about shipping the best products at the lowest prices. We work on slim margins and give you access to ingredients usually reserved for the top restaurants. We recommend stocking up on products or splitting an order with friends to offset the shipping charge.

We offer flat rate, overnight shipping on our products. Flat-rate.

State Overnight

California

$35

Contiguous States

$50

Hawaii & Alaska

$60

WHAT IS THE CUTOFF TIME FOR DELIVERY?

Orders placed before our cut-off time will be shipped out according to the schedule. All orders placed after 6am on Wednesday will be shipped out the following Monday.

After we ship out your order, you'll receive a 2nd e-mail with the tracking number (check your spam folder if you don't see it). If there are no delays, orders typically arrive the next day. We recommend signing up for notifications from UPS or FedEx directly in the shipping e-mail.  

• Days we ship out: Mon, Tues, & Wed.

• Orders placed after the 6am cutoff on Wednesday will be shipped out the following Monday.

• Days we don't ship: Thurs, Friday, Sat, Sun, & certain holidays.

• Times are in pacific standard time (PST)

Cut Off Time Ships Arrives

Monday 6am

Monday

Tuesday

Tuesday 6am

Tuesday

Wednesday

Wednesday 6am

Wednesday

Thursday

Thursday

no shipments

no shipments

Friday

no shipments

no shipments

Saturday (closed)

no shipments

no shipments

Sunday (closed)

no shipments

no shipments

CAN I ASSIGN THE DELIVERY DATE OR TIME?

No. Unfortunately, we can't guarantee a delivery date or time for any order. All orders will be shipped according to the schedule above. Please do not place an order if the schedule doesn't work for you. Fedex and UPS deliveries may be as late as 8-9pm in some rural areas, especially during holidays.

DO YOU REQUIRE A SIGNATURE ON DELIVERY?

No. Please make sure someone will be home to receive your package and transfer the perishable items to the refrigerator or freezer.

Maruhide Marine Products will not be responsible for spoiled shipments from sitting outside by the heat and stolen packages after the carrier delivers. We take great care to ship out packages on time and kindly ask you to do the same. Thank you for your help.

HOW DO I TRACK MY PACKAGE?

Delivery times will vary, and we can't guarantee a delivery time for any order. During the holiday season, deliveries may be later than expected. Use the chart for the estimated arrival date.

After we ship out your order, you'll receive a 2nd e-mail with the tracking number (check your spam folder if you don't see it). Orders typically arrive on the next day if there are no delays. We recommend signing up for notifications from UPS or FedEx directly in the shipping e-mail.  

Enter your tracking number directly on the shipper's website

www.ups.com

www.fedex.com

Estimated 4-5 days

We ship packages to Japan on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Packages take 4-5 days to arrive after we ship out, and Yamato will contact you directly to coordinate a date. We can’t take pre-orders or change your delivery date. Please arrange for someone to receive your perishable package.

DETAILS & FAQ

WHEN WILL MY PACKAGE ARRIVE?

Yamoto Transport will reach out to you directly too coordinate an estimated delivery time. Please have someone receive the package to transfer the perishable items into the refrigerator or freezer.

We go to great lengths to ensure your packages are sent out on time and kindly ask for your help. Maruhide Marine Products will not be responsible for packages left out.

• Orders to mainland Japan take about 4 days (including Saturdays & Sundays)

• Orders to other parts of Japan take about 5 days (including Saturdays & Sundays)

Unexepcted Delays

• Delivery times will vary, and we can't guarantee a delivery time for any order. During the holiday season, deliveries may be later than expected

• There may be unusual circumstances out of control such as: severe weather, flight delays, and customs delays. In the rare event of a package delay, please contact us.

HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING?

Shipping to Japan is $55 + 14% duties & taxes (automatically calculated at checkout).

We're passionate about shipping the best products at the lowest prices. We work on slim margins and give you access to ingredients usually reserved for the top restaurants. We recommend stocking up on products or splitting an order with friends to offset the shipping charge.

DO I HAVE TO PAY DUTIES?

Yes, all applicable orders to Japan will incur duties and taxes.

CAN I ASSIGN THE DELIVERY DATE OR TIME?

We can't guarantee an exact day or time your package arrives. Yamoto will reach out to your directly to schedule your home delivery. You should be able to choose between morning or night delivery.

DO YOU REQUIRE A SIGNATURE ON DELIVERY?

No. Please make sure someone will be home to receive your package and transfer the perishable items to the refrigerator or freezer.

Maruhide Marine Products will not be responsible for spoiled shipments from sitting outside by the heat and stolen packages after the carrier delivers. We take great care to ship out packages on time and kindly ask you to do the same. Thank you for your help.

HOW DO I TRACK MY PACKAGE?

Enter your tracking number directly on the shipper's website

www.yamatoamerica.com

premium uni

wild red sea urchin in Santa Barbara is typically larger and sweeter than the prized bafun uni in Japan.

ocean to table

diver's harvest the live red sea urchin. our refrigerated trucks deliver the live urchins to our factory.

cracked to order

instead of sitting on a shelf, our team cracks live sea urchin fresh to each new order.

meticulous selection

we only sell the best grades on our website. 1000 pounds of sea urchin only yields about 5 trays of premium uni

fast shipping

unmatched freshness by shipping out your order on the same day it's processed, since 1975.

HIGHLIGHTS

Our highest grade of uni used by Michelin chefs and fine restaurants. 1000 pounds of sea urchin only yields about 5 trays of premium grade uni.

• Type: Santa Barbara, wild-caught red sea urchin. Fresh, not frozen.

• Grade: Premium (Highest), Sashimi Grade

• Packaging: We pack the sturdy uni in the metal trays. For shipping orders, we recommend the saltwater tray instead, which hold up better during transit.

• Net Weight: 100g / 3.5oz (approximately)

• Fresh uni sells out quickly - please check back often or shop our frozen uni products.

• Ships refrigerated with ice packs. Available for pickup in Long Beach, CA. Shippable to Japan & U.S.

MARUHIDE FRESH UNI

Trusted By Michelin Chefs

cracked, packed, and shipped same day

Our factory is the premier Santa Barbara uni supplier to Michelin chefs, restaurants, smaller distributors, and home chefs.

Most of the uni you will find in the U.S. isn't fresh because the product sits on a shelf for a long time. Additionally, the uni can pass through multiple retailers before you consume it, resulting in a fishy taste. Only fresh sea urchin retains its ideal sweet flavor, color, and buttery texture.

Our expert divers harvest the wild sea urchins and bring them to our facility. We start by cracking the sea urchins early in the morning. Maruhide's masters carefully select the best uni, pack to order, and ship on the same day it's processed.

We're passionate about serving you the best uni the ocean offers. Check out our episode on Eater below.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FRESH UNI PRODUCTS

What are the differences between the two uni grades?

We sell two grades of uni on our website and they differ in how they're packaged.

Note: the wooden trays can't be shipped and are only available for pick up in Long Beach, CA.

Grade Packaging Level Shippable

Premium Uni

Large Wooden Tray

Highest

No, pick up in Long Beach only

Premium Uni

Metal Tray

Highest

Yes, but not recommended

A+ Uni

5 Pocket Plastic Tray

2nd Highest

Yes, but not recommended

A+ Uni

Small Wooden Tray

2nd Highest

No, pick up in Long Beach only

A+ Uni

Salt Water Tray

2nd Highest

Yes, best for shipping*

Premium Grade Uni

Our highest grade and normally used in Michelin restaurants. 1000 pounds of sea urchin only yields about 5 wooden trays of premium uni.

Large Wooden Tray
Typically used by sushi chefs and those who want a beautiful presentation with the wooden tray.

Metal Tray
We pack the sturdy uni in the metal trays, which hold up better in transportation.

A+ Grade Uni

Exceeds expectations for uni lovers and found in fine sushi restaurants. Our A+ grade typically grades out to our competitor's premium grade.
 
5 Pocket, Small Wooden, & Saltwater Trays
All 3 packaging types use the same quality of uni. However, the saltwater tray is recommended for orders requiring shipping because the water solution protects the uni. All 3 are available for pick up in Long Beach, CA.

How does grading work?

Grading is mainly based on color, firmness, and size. Most companies, including Maruhide, have their in-house uni grader. Our expert grader is a master and only selects the best uni for our e-commerce websites. We only sell two types of grades on our website: A+ and Premium, while the rest go to our wholesale accounts.

PORTION SIZES, SERVING, & RECIPES

How much should I order?

As a garnish, 1/2 oz to 1oz and as a main dish, 1oz to 2oz. If you're using caviar on top of sushi, 1/2 oz is sufficient.

Recipes

Our sashimi-grade uni can be consumed raw and can be enjoyed many ways. We recommend smaller uni portions with other ingredients like A5 wagyu, ikura, and caviar.

1. With Sushi Rice

We recommend pairing uni with sushi rice - the high acidity in the sushi vinegar and the texture of the rice balance out the richness. Sushi rice is relatively easy to make, but the prep takes some time to make the vinegar. Once you add the sushi vinegar to the hot rice, you can create many dishes with sushi rice.

Tip: brush on nikiri (sweet soy sauce reduction) over your uni to tie in the dish - perfect for new uni eaters.

Donburi Rice Bowl

Rice bowls are one of the easiest dishes to make. Make your sushi vinegar ahead of time and make the sushi rice before serving. Our A5 wagyu, ikura, and caviar allow you to make exceptional dishes you'd typically find at fine restaurants. Simply add the ingredients together.

Nigiri & Sushi

Uni nigiri is an amazing way to enjoy sushi at home with your other ingredients, like wagyu beef. Cutting wagyu nigiri requires knife skills, but you can make nigiri with any combinations of: sushi rice, uni, A5 wagyu, ikura, caviar, and nikiri sauce.

2. uni pasta

Uni pasta is a delicious, easy, and luxurious dish you can make at home to impress your loved ones. This dish is perfect if you have uni leftovers or if you couldn't eat your uni right away.

HANDLING & STORAGE

Storage

Please transfer the uni to the refrigerator immediately when the package comes. Keep refrigerated, follow food safety, and consume as soon as possible to enjoy the freshness.

Fresh Uni is best by 1 week from the ship date.

Uni Shutou lasts about 10 days in the refrigerator and about 3 months in the freezer.

FAQ

Can I freeze my fresh uni?

No. Once uni is frozen and thawed, the uni flesh may be mushy.

Why is the fresh uni out of stock and when do you restock?

Uni harvesting is influenced by bad weather, and we may experience a uni shortage due to high demand. We have meticulous standards for quality - 1000lb of sea urchin will only yield about 5 wooden trays of Premium Uni.

Please check back weekly to order when we have fresh uni. We typically update our fresh uni inventory on Sundays. Alternatively, you can always purchase our popular frozen Uni Shutou.

Can I pre-order fresh uni at a specific date?

No. Unfortunately, we don't take special orders for uni on specific dates. Our website tracks live inventory and updates with each order. We typically have a small supply of fresh uni, and we typically sell out fast.