Pyura chilensis

Often referred to as the living rock, pyura chilensis - or simply piure in Spanish - is a marine invertebrate found in shallow waters off the coasts of Chile and Peru. This peculiar, brainless, rock-like creature feeds on microorganisms and is capable of reproducing asexually, as it becomes a hermaphrodite after reaching adulthood.

When cut open - which is not a sight for the squeamish - piure looks like oozing, squishy, blood-red guts. That, however, is its flesh tissue, regarded in Chile as a delicacy that is eaten either raw, cooked, fried, or even dried. Piure has an intense iodine-like, slightly bitter flavor and is typically served tossed with chopped onions and cilantro, drizzled with lemon juice, and accompanied by bread.