Sea urchins in Catalan are called ‘Garoines,’ but in some places, such as the Empordà, they are also called ‘Garotes.’
For more than 30 years, La Garoinada has become the standard bearer of the delicatessen on the beaches of Palafrugell.
The sea urchin season is usually from mid-January to the end of March. For me, the best way to enjoy them is as my godfather taught me: very fresh, cut in half, and served with the orange part on good bread, spread with good butter (if it’s French, salty, better).
In the Palafrugell market and in some fishmongers, you can find sea urchins. They are not excessively expensive.
As it has become very fashionable in the last 30 years, many restaurants have created the ‘Garoinada Menu’ and offer different dishes under the sea urchin theme. Although all of them are delicious, nothing beats the freshness of eating them on bread and butter!
