Jumbo flying squid, Dosidicus gigas

Description

The jumbo flying squid (Dosidicus gigas) is a pelagic cephalopod endemic to the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is the largest of the squid species, typically reaching 1.5 m in mantle length and weighing up to 60 kg. Jumbo flying squid support the largest single-species invertebrate fishery in the world. It has a relatively short lifespan of only 1 – 2 years.

Origin

Woolworths sources jumbo flying squid from both large commercial and small-scale fisheries operating in FAO Fishing Area 87. The small-scale fishermen catch squid within the Peruvian EEZ.

Attributes

Jumbo flying squid has a has a mild, subtle unami flavour, low-medium oiliness, and is dry with a firm texture. The flesh is white when cooked. Squid is high in protein and vitamins B6 and B12. Squid is also rich in selenium.

Cooking

Jumbo flying squid is suitable for a wide variety of preparations: whole tubes can be stuffed and baked, strips or rings can be dusted in seasoned flour and deep-fried or marinated and char-grilled or stir-fried. Squid should be cooked either very quickly over high heat or very slowly over low heat –anything in between is where they become tough.

Sustainability

All the jumbo flying squid sold by Woolworths are caught by means of jigging. Squid jigging is a highly selective fishing method that usually has no bycatch and does not come into contact with the seabed. Resource management focuses on monitoring catch per unit effort trends and constraining fishery effort as a precautionary approach.