- Microcosmus sabatieri
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Microcosmus sabatieri Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Ascidiacea (unranked): Pleurogona Superfamily: Stolidobranchia Family: Pyuridae Genus: Microcosmus Species: Microcosmus sabatieri Binomial name Microcosmus sabatieri
(Roule, 1758)Synonyms sea violet or sea fig
Microcosmus sabatieri are 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, 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.
Contents
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.
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
- 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
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