lauttimur.com - Squid ink has a dark, sometimes bluish-black colored ink that produced by squid. Other cephalopod like octopus and cuttlefish also produced this ink. This ink is stored in the ink sac and produce by the organ called ink gland. Squid and other cephalopod uses this ink to helps them escape from their predators. They will release the ink to the water column so the water gets murky and they have time to escape. 

Read also: Sardines Nutrition Content

Humans also use squid ink for many purposes including art, cosmetics, writing, traditional medicines and food additive. In early time, it was used in Chinese medicine to treat blood and heart issue. Then during the 19th century, squid ink is widely used for writing, drawing and painting. Nowadays it is commonly used as a food additive and food coloring. It is mostly utilize in Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. The squid ink has a savory flavour that helps enhance the flavour of the food and its appealing color. It is most used in pasta and rice dish.

Read also: How to Properly Store Your Seafood

Squid ink is safe to consumes, it is used as food additive that can helps enhance the food taste. The savory flavour of squid ink comes from glutamates, of one amino acid types that contained within the ink. Glutamates makes the food has savory and umami taste. If you buy fresh whole squid you can find the ink on the ink sac. Other way you can purchase bottled or packaged squid ink on store. Squid ink already has a rich taste, so if you want to use it just add a couple spoon to your dish. Sometimes commercially sold squid ink is a cuttlefish ink because they have more rich and palatable flavour. Therefore, if you wish to buy squid ink make sure to read the labels of the product properly.

Read also: Popular Marine Fish in Indonesia