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Dattero di Mare
Sea Date
Appears in
By Antonio Carluccio and Priscilla Carluccio
Published 1997
This mollusc, related to the mussel, is so named because it looks like a date. It is oval-shaped, usually reaching 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in length and is of a dark brown colour. The sea date lives in rocks where, by using acids from its body, it is able to form a niche in the rock which it enlarges as it grows.
Datteri di Mare, Vongole and Tartufi di Mare
The dattero di mare is very sought-after and a real delicacy. In Puglia and in the Gulf of Spezia, where it grows best, there are special laws to regulate their fishing. To catch them, you literally have to break the rock to which they are attached and the fishing boats need lifting tackle to heft the rocks on board. The practice is likely soon to be made illegal as it is ruining some stretches of coastline.