Violet

Known as figue de mer, (France), limone di mare or uovo di mare (Italy), probecho (Spain).

This soft-shelled edible sea creature is found anchored to rocks on the sea floor, where it siphons in water from one spout and out of the other. Considered a delicacy along the Mediterranean, particularly in Provence, the leathery shell is cut in half to reveal brightly coloured yellow flesh, which is picked out and eaten raw - preferably accompanied by a glass of white wine.