Microcosmus sabatieri are a species of Tunicates. The species has a rocky-shape appearance. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea

Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...

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It is used as food in parts of Europe

Europe

Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...

, such as France and Italy, where it is known as a sea violet or sea fig. Similar specie (Pyura chilensis) is also used as food in Chile

Chile

Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...

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Use

All species of Microcosmus are edible but it is mainly M. sabatieri which is marketed. In the Mediterranean it is eaten raw, often with an acidic condiment such as lemon juice or vinegar with shallots. The iodized taste is not suitable for all palates.

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
• Strunsi di mare (Ligurie)
• Limone di mare (Italie)

Outside Europe

• Korea -a tunicate called mideodeok (미더덕). Very small (one centimeter), it is added to some soup recipes but diners must remove the meat to chew and then spit out the skin.

• Chile - The species Pyuria chilensis is known as Piure and is highly valued. It is served raw, with lots of chopped onions and lemon juice.

External links

• Microcosmus sabatieri Picuture