Giant squid for export

Types

There are various types of giant squid that seafood distributors export to countries around the world.

• Architeuthis dux

  The giant squids have large bodies, typically measuring between 10 and 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) long). However, the largest recorded squids were over 40 feet long. They have a mantle that is streamlined and elongated. The squids have a characteristic elongated body and a large fin on the top of the body. They are living in deep ocean waters worldwide. The squids are mainly known for their size and predatory behavior. The squids eat fish, other squid species, and deep-sea creatures.

• Architeuthis imperator

  This species of giant squid is less well-known than Architeuthis dux. It is known to inhabit waters in the Pacific and Indian oceans. It is slightly larger than the common giant squid. The Emperor Giant Squid has a body that is around 16 feet long. Like other giant squids, they are elusive and primarily found at great depths.

• Cockatoo Cuttlefish

  The Cockatoo cuttlefish is a cephalopod mollusk that lives in the Indo-Pacific region. This squids prefer shallow, tropical, and subtropical waters. The squids have a unique body shape, with a broad, flattened mantle and a distinctive wavy fin that runs along the length of their body. This cuttlefish gets its name from the resemblance of its color and patterns to a cockatoo bird. The cuttlefish is also known for its incredible ability to change color and texture for communication and camouflage.

• Giant Pacific Cuttlefish

  The Giant Pacific Cuttlefish is the largest known species of cuttlefish. It can grow up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length, although most adults are around 12 inches (30 centimeters) long. It is widely found in the Pacific Ocean, from Japan to Australia. It prefers shallow coastal waters and tidal flats.

• Mesonychoteuthis

  This species of giant squid is known for its distinctive features and is found in the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. It can grow up to 3.5 feet (1 meter) in length. The giant squids prefer cold, deep ocean environments and is primarily located at depths of 1,600 to 3,300 feet (500 to 1,000 meters).

Shipping considerations

Some shipping considerations of the giant squids exported include the following.

• Quality Control

  It's crucial to have strict quality control measures in place to ensure that the squid is fresh and meets health and safety standards. Buyers should perform checks to make sure they're receiving the right kind of squid in the right quantities. Any damaged or rotten squid needs to be thrown away or reported right away.

• Packaging

  The giant squids need to be packaged well before being transported to prevent any damage or contamination. Most times, they'll be put in icy water and sealed in strong plastic bags or boxes made of thick foam. Some squids might also be packed with ice to help keep them fresh during the travel time. Ensure that the packaging is tough enough to stop any leakage or breakage from happening.

• Transportation

  Transportation for giant squids needs to happen fast to keep them fresh and safe. Refrigerated trucks or planes are often used for shorter distances. For transportation over long distances, cryogenic transportation might be used. Cryogenic transportation refers to the process of transporting in a frozen state, often using liquid nitrogen. That is because giant squids cannot survive long transportation without being frozen because of their size. Buyers will also want to make sure the shipments are tracked so they know where their orders are at all times.

• Customs and Regulations

  Before shipping giant squids, it's important to learn about the customs rules in both countries. Squids will come with papers like a bill of sale, invoices, and papers showing they were checked for bugs or germs. Make sure to check that all the needed papers are there, or the squids might get stuck in customs or refuse to leave the country.

• Environmental Impact

  Transporting giant squids and other seafood might create a big carbon footprint because of planes or trucks. To lessen this impact, consider using transport that is slower but more eco-friendly, or try to buy local squid when possible.

Benefits

The giant squids have several benefits and can be enjoyed by a variety of people around the world.

• Nutritional Benefits

  Giant squid have very high protein but low fat, making them a great healthy choice to eat. They also have important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and iron. B12 helps the brain, while iron keeps blood healthy. Eating giant squid provides lean protein, helping muscles stay strong and supporting overall health and wellness.

• Culinary Versatility

  Giant squid can be cooked in many different tasty ways. They can be grilled, fried, stuffed, or turned into soups and stews. When they are mixed into stir-fries or made into squid rings for frying, they take on the taste of the other ingredients. This makes them chewy but light and great at taking on flavors from sauces and seasonings. Their versatility means they can fit into different recipes for different cultures.

• Economic Impact

  The giant squids are also important for the economy. They create jobs in fishing, processing, and shipping giant squids. Restaurants serving dishes like calamari help popularize squid on menus. When a lot of giant squid are caught, it lowers prices and lets more people afford to eat them.

• Cultural Significance

  Giant squids are also well-known in stories, movies, and art. They have appeared in famous tales like Moby Dick or the Odyssey. Squids make cool monsters and are an important part of ocean life when looked at scientifically. This blends learning about them with fun, inspiring curiosity in people from all backgrounds.

• Sustainable Seafood Choice

  When sourced responsibly, giant squids can be a sustainable seafood option. They tend to reproduce quickly and in large numbers, which helps prevent overfishing issues seen with slower-reproducing species. Managing squid fisheries carefully ensures populations stay healthy, protecting both the environment and future fishing opportunities.

How to choose

There are some considerations buyers can make when purchasing giant squids in bulk.

• Species

  Buyers should first determine the type of giant squid they want to buy. Each type has different qualities that affect how it tastes or how fresh it stays. For example, the architeuthis dux is the most popular giant squid for export. It has long, slender limbs, giving it a unique texture compared to other types. Then there is the mesonychoteuthis, which is shorter than most giant squids. Although it does not grow as large as other types, it is still thick-bodied and robust. The giant Pacific cuttlefish is popular because it has glossy flesh and is widely found in many oceans. There is also colossal squid, which is the largest of all the squids. It is widely known for being ferocious.

• Appearance

  Buyers can look at the giant squids and tell which ones are fresh. Those that are fresh have clear eyes and glossy skin. The skin also has reddish hues with some pale areas. The giant squid limbs should be firm and plump when gently pressed. Buyers should avoid any squids that feel soft or limp. Fresh giant squid has a mild, briny smell that resembles the ocean. It can also have a hint of sweetness. Buyers should avoid any squid that smells fishy or sour.

• Size

  Consider what size of giant squid will work best for the market. Giant squids can be quite different in size, depending on how big or small the buyer wants them. Smaller squids are usually around 6 feet long, while larger ones can be over 30 feet! For those who want giant tender focused squids, go for the larger ones. They are better suited for frying or grilling. On the other hand, smaller giant squids have a firmer bite and are better suited for high-heat, fast cooking.

• Storage and Handling

  Choose giant squids that have been handled properly so they stay fresh. Ensure to get squid that has been well-packaged on crushed ice or in chilled containers. When receiving the order, act fast so the squid can be stored in refrigeration right away. Squid that is frozen solid can also be a good option if fresh cannot be found. Just make sure the packaging is still intact and shows no signs of freezer burn.

Q & A

Can giant squid be eaten by humans?

Yes, giant squids are edible and are known to have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

What do giant squids taste like?

Giant squids have a flavor that is similar to octopus for sale.

What is the best way to prepare giant squid?

The best way to prepare giant squids is to grill, sauté, or roast them.

Are there any special tricks for making giant squid more tender?

Tenderizing tools like a meat mallet are effective in breaking up the muscles of giant squid.

How do giant squids compare nutritionally to other seafood?

Giant squids are low in fat and high in protein like most kinds of seafood.

What health benefits do giant squids offer?

Giant squids are packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and iron.

Can giant squids be sustainably harvested?

Currently, there are no populations of giant squid that are endangered or threatened. This means that they can all be sustainably harvested.