Introduction: Uni, or sea urchin, is a delicacy cherished by many seafood enthusiasts around the world. With its rich and creamy texture, it has become a sought-after ingredient in various culinary creations. However, for those new to the world of Uni, the different grades and variations can be a bit confusing. In this article, we aim to shed light on the packaging variations you may encounter when ordering Uni online.
The Mystery of Packaging: Recently, we received a question from a customer who noticed a difference between the packaging of the Uni they received and the one displayed on our website. To clarify this confusion, we must delve into the grading system of Uni and how it affects the packaging.
Understanding Uni Grades: Uni is graded based on its quality, and there are typically five grades: AAA, AA, A+, A, and Regular. Each grade represents a specific quality level, with AAA being the highest and Regular being the most common.
Gokujo AAA Uni: The customer mentioned ordering the "Gokujo AAA Uni." Gokujo signifies the highest quality Uni available in the market each morning. However, it is important to note that the specific batch of Gokujo Uni changes weekly. Therefore, the packaging may vary depending on the specific batch you receive.
Different Packaging, Same Quality: The packaging variation you experienced, where the box said "A SP" instead of "AAA," is due to the categorization of Unis manufactured for regular and 'A' quality. The 'A' label on the box is used to group Uni that fall into the regular and 'A' quality grades. These Uni are further graded in the market into A, A+, AA, or AAA.
Premium Offering: Rest assured, the Uni you received is still a premium offering from one of the select manufacturers who can produce the AAA quality. The quality of AAA Uni can vary based on factors such as the season, weather, and other conditions. Therefore, each batch may differ slightly in taste and appearance, but it still represents the highest quality available.
Here are some example for AAA Uni or Gokujo Uni offered by various Uni manufactures in Hokkaido.
A Vast Universe of Uni: The world of Uni is vast, with countless varieties and nuances. While many manufacturers produce the other grades, only a handful have the expertise to consistently produce the AAA quality. Exploring the market in person, as suggested by the customer service representative, would be a fascinating experience for those truly passionate about Uni.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the packaging variation you noticed when receiving your Gokujo AAA Uni is a result of the different batches and grading system associated with Uni. The 'A' label on the box does not downgrade the quality; rather, it is used to categorize Unis manufactured for regular and 'A' quality. Rest assured, the Uni you received is still a premium offering, representing the highest quality available.
We hope this explanation has provided you with a better understanding of the packaging variation and the grading system associated with Uni. Should you have any further questions or concerns, the customer service team is always available to assist you. Enjoy your Uni and savor the flavors of this exquisite delicacy!
Warm regards from Hokkaido, Kimi and the Uni Market Team