The truth about 2020s Calamari!
For those who live far from the coast, during holidays or trips, one of the first desires when at the beach is to order a portion of Calamari!
You must have noticed that the calamari you knew began to share space with a larger squid, with big white rings, and without the crispy "legs" (tentacles).
Some bars and restaurants serve the larger one; in markets, we find perfect rings of frozen squid, and the old-fashioned calamari is becoming rarer.
If, like us, you enjoy the old-fashioned calamari, it's good for you to know and ask the right questions before ordering or buying squid.
Domestic squid vs. imported squid
We basically have two options for squid here in Brazil: domestic and imported.
It's very easy to identify, even with your eyes closed!
They have very different appearances, textures, and flavors!
Calamari, pota - The imported squid.
The imported squid can come from Argentina, Peru, or Chile, and is processed in China. It is sold frozen, cut into white and "perfect" rings.
They are larger and the texture is different, sometimes more "rubbery," other times somewhat gelatinous.
Today, even by the sea, imported squid is common.
Scientific name of imported squid: Ilex argentinus
There's also the Pacific squid, also called POTA, which is Dosidicus gigas, also processed in China. These are the very large rings and tentacles that resemble octopus.
"Pacific squid is called POTA."
What is Brazilian Squid?
The domestic squid is smaller, the flesh is thin, and when served in portions, it usually comes with the "legs," the incredibly tasty tentacles.
It's seasonal, not available all year round. Generally, squid season runs from October to April, but mainly from January to March, which is the hottest summer period. Domestic squid comes from different species, but predominantly Dorytheutis pleii, abundant from January to March on the northern coast of São Paulo and southern Rio de Janeiro. We also have Dorytheutis sanpaulensis and the mini-squid, Lolliguncula brevis. All domestic squids have a similar taste, with minor variations mainly in size.
The domestic squid has a more distinct, fresh, and truly seafood flavor! Your memory of calamari is probably of domestic squid!
When ordering calamari, ask:
Do you use domestic or imported squid?
This way, your expectations will be aligned with your experience.
