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Microcosmus sabatieri

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Microcosmus sabatieri
Scientific classification
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Microcosmus sabatieri
Binomial name
Microcosmus sabatieri
(Roule, 1885)

Microcosmus sabatieri is a species of tunicates (sea squirts). The species has a rocky-shape appearance. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea.

It is used as food in parts of Europe, such as France and Italy, where it is known as a sea violet or sea fig.

Inhalant siphon of Microcosmos sabatieri. The yellow feature at the left is a clutch of mollusk eggs.

Use

All species of Microcosmus are edible, but it is mainly M. sabatieri which is marketed.[1] In the Mediterranean, 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.

Other names

Synonyms

Plants of the family Aizoaceae, the genus Carpobrotus, are also known as 'sea fig' in the Mediterranean.

Europe

Fishmongers in the Mediterranean also use the following names:

  • Violet or Viourlet
  • Biju ou Bijut ou Bichu
  • Patate de mer
  • Stronzi di mare. Referring to Sea cucumbers, echinoderms from the class Holothuroidea (Liguria)
  • Limone di mare (Italy)
  • Carnummole (Campania)
  • Fouska (Greece)
  • Morsko jaje (litt. "sea egg" (Croatia)

References