Squid
Squid, calamari and totano: what are you buying?
Italian names do not map neatly onto an American seafood label. Ask about species, size and preparation.
Category: Squid
Squid is sold under names that travel badly between markets. Squid, calamari and totano: what are you buying? explains that calamari usually describes a squid or a squid dish in American stores, while the Italian pair calamaro and totano separates different groups. It is not a grading system, and no name guarantees tenderness. The guide walks through the three decisions that matter at the counter: which species and form you are buying, how much preparation is already done, and whether the product was previously frozen. For the wider counter, Fresh or frozen fish? Ask better questions. covers chilling, packaging and the questions worth asking the seller.
Squid is sold under names that travel badly between markets. Squid, calamari and totano: what are you buying? explains that calamari usually describes a squid or a squid dish in American stores, while the Italian pair calamaro and totano separates different groups. It is not a grading system, and no name guarantees tenderness. The guide walks through the three decisions that matter at the counter: which species and form you are buying, how much preparation is already done, and whether the product was previously frozen. For the wider counter, Fresh or frozen fish? Ask better questions. covers chilling, packaging and the questions worth asking the seller.