Octopuses, Squid & Cuttlefish: Seafood for Today and for the Future

Cephalopods, such as octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish, are biologically related to molluscs and have evolved hundreds of millions of years ago. They have blue blood, three hearts, and can shoot out jet-black ink. They are masters of disguise and can alter the texture of their skin and the patterns displayed on it at lighting speed. They are also a nutritious, delicious protein source that has found a place for thousands of years in many food cultures around the world. This book aims to promote the overall place of cephalopods in home kitchens and inspire the uninitiated to add them to their diet.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 278 pages
\n Publication date: 06 May 2021
\n Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG
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Cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, have captivated the human imagination for centuries. These remarkable creatures, biologically classified as cephalopods, have a rich evolutionary history dating back hundreds of millions of years. They share a close relationship with mollusks like mussels and snails. While they can reach enormous sizes, with eyes as large as footballs, their lifespan is relatively short, typically lasting only a couple of years. Cephalopods undergo a solitary mating encounter in their lifetime and soon after, pass away.

These extraordinary beings possess a unique set of characteristics. They have blue blood, three hearts, and the ability to shoot out jet-black ink, serving as a defense mechanism. Despite their impressive physical attributes, more than half of their brain is distributed in their arms, indicating a level of intelligence that has led to interpretations of their behaviors as signs of intellect. Cephalopods are color blind, but they can rapidly change the color of their skin to blend in with their surroundings. They are masters of disguise, capable of altering the texture and patterns displayed on their skin at lightning speed. Additionally, they possess a remarkable sense of taste using the suckers on their arms.

Cephalopods are not only fascinating in their physical abilities but also as formidable predators. Octopuses, with their strong arms, can exert forces that are hundreds of times their body weight. Squid and cuttlefish, on the other hand, can launch tentacles with incredible speed, capturing prey like a javelin thrown by an expert athlete.

Beyond their scientific interest, cephalopods have significant culinary value. They are a nutritious and delicious protein source that has been cherished in various food cultures worldwide for thousands of years. Due to their widespread distribution in ocean habitats, cephalopods offer an excellent and readily available alternative to meat from terrestrial animals.

This book aims to raise awareness about the importance of cephalopods in home cooking. It explores their unique characteristics, nutritional benefits, and culinary applications, providing readers with valuable insights and recipes to incorporate these fascinating creatures into their culinary endeavors. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this book will inspire you to explore the world of cephalopods and discover the endless possibilities they offer in the kitchen.

\n Weight: 554g\n
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783030580261\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021\n