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
Three species of Microcosmus are edible presently, M. sabatieri, M. vulgaris, and M. polymorphus. In the Mediterranean Basin, it is eaten raw, often with an acidic condiment such as lemon juice or mignonette. 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 Northern Catalonia it's called bijú or bijut and in the Principality bunyol or ou de mar. In German the common term is 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 stronsci de mä. In Morocco, in both Moroccan Darija and Berber, it's called or .
Other names it is sold under include:
- viourlet
- bijut/bichu
- carnummole
- morsko jaje
- taratufi