This hue is inspired by the golden-orange of uni, the edible gonads of sea urchins prized in Japanese cuisine. Its shade comes from carotenoid pigments—astaxanthin, β-echinenone, and α-echinenone—concentrated in the nutrient-rich tissues. Diet plays a role: urchins feeding on kelp and algae develop richer, creamier golden tones, while poorer diets yield paler colors. Beyond its biology, uni’s vibrant hue has become a symbol of luxury and indulgence, a natural indicator of freshness, nutrition, and the healthy kelp forests from which it comes.