cm
average size
Squid can survive in various temperatures and depths
type in Canada
years
average lifespan
History
No matter the type, squid are only fished at night. Fishermen shine lights from their boats into the water to attract the nocturnal creatures. Once they venture closer to the surface, the fishermen can catch them. In Canadian waters, the short-finned squid is the most common, but the most well-known and popular species is the Humboldt. Squid are known for squirting ink at predators in order to confuse them. Even though that ink is a defense mechanism, it’s not poisonous and is often used in cooking.
Best sustainable option
Of all the available varieties of squid, Humboldt squid is considered the most sustainable.
In Season
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Landed
30 tonnes
were brought onshore in Canada in 2014
Did you know?
Squid have the ability to “flash talk” with one another by changing colours in certain ways. Though scientist have recognized this as a form of communication, it’s unknown what the squid are communicating to each other.
Taste/Texture?
Mild and firm
What to look for
Fresh squid shouldn’t be slimy. Look for squid that is ivory colored with white flesh. Avoid any with purple, yellow or pink flesh as it indicates the squid is no longer fresh.
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How to cook
Meet Chef Spencer Watts
Chef Spencer Watts says cooking is the great love of his life. His father and grandfather were both cod fishermen, so a love of fishing and being on the water runs in his blood. Growing up on the lower mainland of British Columbia, Spencer was inspired by the vast array of fresh local ingredients available.
Spencer is a graduate of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. He quickly progressed through the ranks at The Westin Grand and C restaurant, while training with some of the best local talent in the culinary scene. In 2007 he opened his very own restaurant, ‘Spence on the Coast,’ in Sechelt. Later he started his own local cable cooking show called “Coast Cooking with Spence.”
Spencer is presently enjoying life in Vancouver while working on his cookbook and promoting sustainable seafood.
History
No matter the type, squid are only fished at night. Fishermen shine lights from their boats into the water to attract the nocturnal creatures. Once they venture closer to the surface, the fishermen can catch them. In Canadian waters, the short-finned squid is the most common, but the most well-known and popular species is the Humboldt. Squid are known for squirting ink at predators in order to confuse them. Even though that ink is a defense mechanism, it’s not poisonous and is often used in cooking.
Best sustainable option
Of all the available varieties of squid, Humboldt squid is considered the most sustainable.
In Season
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Landed
30 tonnes
were brought onshore in Canada in 2014
Did you know?
Squid have the ability to “flash talk” with one another by changing colours in certain ways. Though scientist have recognized this as a form of communication, it’s unknown what the squid are communicating to each other.
Taste/Texture?
Mild and firm
What to look for
Fresh squid shouldn’t be slimy. Look for squid that is ivory colored with white flesh. Avoid any with purple, yellow or pink flesh as it indicates the squid is no longer fresh.