Squid

Squids: From the Depths of the Ocean to Your Dinner Plate

It's 4 p.m. and you’re getting dinner ready for the family. You open the fridge and take out the package of squids you bought earlier. You put it in the pot, turn up the heat, add a few herbs and spices, and wait for it to boil.

But have you ever thought about where these squids came from? Have you ever wondered what the process is that gets these squids from the depths of the sea to your dinner plate?

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how squids are created and their journey to end up on dinner plates. We’ll talk about the processes of squid breeding, capture, storage, transport, preparation, and serving.

Let’s get started.

Squid Breeding

Squids are mollusks, or soft-bodied invertebrates, which have a distinct head, mantle, and foot. They live in many of the world’s oceans and can range from very small (about 1 cm) to very large (up to 20 m for some species). Squids are found in both shallow and deep waters, and many of them are bottom-dwellers.

Squids reproduce through external fertilization. The male squids produce spermatophores, which contain the sperm, and eject them into the water column. The female squids receive the male’s sperm via chemo-attraction. This process is called copulation. After a female squid is fertilized, she will lay her eggs in the ocean. Most squid eggs hatch into small squid larvae which feed on plankton and benthic invertebrates. As they mature, they will reach adult size and be ready to breed.

Squid Capture

The most common way to capture squid is by fishing. Fishermen use nets or traps to catch the squid while they’re swimming or resting. This method is known as trawling, and is often done near the squid’s spawning grounds.

Fishermen also use longlines to catch squid. A longline is a line with multiple baited hooks attached. Longlines are set out at different depths along coastal areas where squid are known to be.

Nowadays, some fishermen are using more advanced methods such as jigging and handlining to target specific species of squid. Jigging involves dropping a lure down to the seafloor, which resembles a squid and entices them to attack. Handlining is also used and involves an angler manually reeling and jerking back a rod to attract the squid.

Squid Storage

Once a squid is captured, it needs to be stored properly in order to preserve its quality. The squid is usually placed in an ice-water bath in order to reduce its temperature and keep it from deteriorating.

Squid can also be stored in saltwater tanks. These tanks are designed to replicate the biological conditions of the ocean and keep the squid alive for longer periods of time. This type of storage is more common with larger squid species, such as the giant squid.

Depending on the intended use for the squid, fishermen can choose to flash-freeze them or pack them in ice. Flash-freezing greatly reduces spoilage and can extend the stay-fresh period so the squid can be transported farther distances.

Squid Transport

After the squid has been captured, stored, and portioned, the next step is to transport it, either locally or internationally.

Transportation of squid is often done by truck, freight train, or cargo ships. The squid is typically packaged in polystyrene boxes with insulated sides and a layer of dry ice to keep it cold during its journey. When shipping squid, firms need to make sure that the squid is carefully packed, monitored, and stored at temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius (32° Fahrenheit).

Most airlines won’t accept shipments of squid, due to the risk of spoilage during transport. The only exception is when the squid is properly stored and vacuum packed.

Squid Preparation

When a shipment of squid is delivered, the next step is to prepare it for cooking. This process involves cleaning and prepping the squid.

To clean the squid, it’s usually cut into pieces and put in cold running water. This helps to remove any dirt or debris from the outside. The squid’s organs are then removed, such as its intestine and ink sack.

Once it’s been cleaned, it’s then cut into pieces or rings and then marinated in spices or sauces. It can also be frozen or canned for future use.

Squid Serving

Finally, the squid is ready to be served. Depending on the preparation process, the squid can be boiled, fried, stir-fried, or grilled. It’s often served as is or as part of a dish, such as ceviche or sushi.

Squids have a mild, buttery flavor and are very nutritious. They are a great source of protein and are low in fat and calories. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Conclusion

We hope this post has given you a better understanding of how a squid goes from the depths of the ocean to your dinner plate. To summarize, squids are created by mating in the wild, caught by either fishing or jigging, stored properly, transported safely, prepped, and served.

Squids are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Not only are they tasty and nutritious, but they’re also a sustainable alternative to many other seafood options.

So the next time you’re enjoying a delicious dinner of squid, remember to appreciate the journey that it took to get to your plate.