Microcosmus sabatieri


Microcosmus sabatieri, commonly called the grooved sea squirt, sea fig, or violet, is a species of tunicates. The species has a rocky-shape appearance. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is used as food in parts of Europe.

Uses

All species of Microcosmus are edible, but it is mainly M. sabatieri which is marketed. In the Mediterranean Basin, it is eaten raw, often with an acidic condiment such as lemon juice or vinegar with shallots. It has a strong iodine taste which not all appreciate.

Names

The specific epithet sabatieri is in honor of zoologist Armand Sabatier. The name 'violet' is from the distinguishing violet stripes on the siphon.
The species has many common names. In Dutch it is violet-zakpijp or begroeide zakpijp. In French it's violet, figue de mer, and in Marseille, patate de mer, or vioulé. In the Catalan language it's called biju or bijut. In German they use seefeige or eßbare seescheide. It is Φούσκα in Greek. In Italian, limone di mare or uova di mare are used. Names in Spanish include provecho, patatas de mar, and buñuelo de mar. In Ligurian it can be called strunsi di mare.
Other names it is sold under include:
Note that plants of the genus Carpobrotus are also known as 'sea figs'.

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