I'm a big fan of both Squid and Octopus. Sadly such things are only rarely available fresh here in England; unlike in France where they are commonly sold everywhere. I wonder why this should be? Fish needs a regular and quick turnover, so if there is no market for it, it would soon be curling at the edges. I presume that's the explanation.
However, I do often buy jars of mixed Octopus/Squid in oil (below), but frankly it's not that wonderful.
I think the English have a problem eating anything that doesn't look like a maiden's buttocks. Anything fishy that has tentacles, eyes, or looks as if it was once alive, is a no-no. I cannot tell you how many times I've heard people saying "Oh, I couldn't eat that!" whilst looking at something that isn't perfectly round and beige. Hide it under batter or breadcrumbs and it's OK, but people are reluctant to eat it if it looks like what it actually is.
It's a well known saying that people first eat with their eyes, but this is nonsense. It's taste/flavour that counts. Personally I couldn't care less what something looks like as long as it tastes good, and Octopus certainly passes that test.
Just ask any Greek person.
Oh definitely! Life would be very sad without their Kalamari, octopus and ouzo. It's the first thing that our down under guests ask for. Not our English. Most feel like heroes if they even have a taste. Odd that. They eat jellied eels and whelks.
ReplyDeleteK has a few in the freezer for family this summer. They're not quite as abundant as they used to be. He buys them fresh when he finds them from fishermen friends. Octopus and Kalamari, Grilled, fried, baked or boiled, they'll be on the menu.
I hope you can enjoy them in France this summer
I certainly will. It's one of the first things I buy. Oysters too; we buy them in boxes of several dozen. Not expensive, and delicious. Over the channel in Dieppe all is available; but not here.
DeleteI don't eat jellied eels or whelks.
DeleteI eat BOTH.
DeleteI try to avoid most seafood following a very violent gastric experience after eating lobster. Even now the memory of that makes me shudder whenever I see, or think about, any of those delicacies you mention.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame. But I know how you feel, I've known several people who've had the same experience.
DeleteI love both octopus and squid enjoyed smoked eels when living in Holland. I remember my grandad picking winkles out of their shells with a sewing needle! In summer, I stuff squid with feta, spinach and lemon juice and grill on the BBQ.
ReplyDeleteI think life is too short to eat winkles; buy Whelks, much more satisfying. I like my squid BBQ'd with just salt and pepper.
DeleteTo enjoy squid and baby octopi fully, they should be alive on your plate and freshly caught. Just salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon then down the gullet tout de suite before they escape from your plate.
ReplyDeleteSmoked eel is delicious. I am not too fond of octopus although I have eaten it in Greece freshly caught and grilled over olive wood and it was succulent and tasty. I do prefer any sort of seafood to meet generally speaking. I think we should all try something first before saying we couldn't eat ut. Regards Sue H
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