Popular Dried Squid Varieties on the Market Today

Dried squid has long been a familiar dish in Vietnamese culinary life. Whether as a snack, a side dish, or a cooking ingredient, dried squid is loved for its rich flavor, convenience, and nutritional value. However, the types of dried squid on the market today are very diverse, making many consumers hesitant when choosing. The following article will help you understand more about each type of dried squid, tips for choosing delicious squid, and reputable places to buy dried squid.

1. Types of dried squid on the market

Dried squid is classified according to many different criteria: size, shape, fishing method, and harvesting area. Understanding each type will help you choose the right squid for your needs.

1.1. Classification of dried squid by size

One of the common ways to distinguish the types of dried squid on the market today is by size, usually calculated by the number of squid per kilogram. Based on this criterion, dried squid is often divided into several types as follows:

• A1 Grade Dried Squid: Large size, about 15-22 squid/kg. This is a premium squid with a thick body, sweet and fragrant meat, carefully selected, so the price is also the highest.
• A2 Grade Dried Squid: Medium size, around 23-30 squid/kg. The quality is still guaranteed to be delicious, with a moderately thick flesh, suitable for everyday use.

• A3 Grade Dried Squid: Smaller than the above two types, usually from 31-40 squid/kg. The price is more affordable, often used for shredding, seasoning, or as a beer snack.
• A4 Grade Dried Squid: This is a medium-sized dried squid, size from 40-60 squid/kg.
• A5 Grade Dried Squid: This is the smallest dried squid among all types, usually 61-120 squid/kg.

1.2. Classification of dried squid by shape

Based on processing and shaping methods, dried squid can be divided into:

• Whole Dried Squid: The squid is dried whole, retaining its original shape, often used for grilling or braising.

• Flattened Dried Squid: The squid is flattened after drying, easy to tear, often used for seasoning and immediate consumption.

• Shredded Seasoned Squid: Pre-shredded and convenient, can be eaten directly or used in salads and stir-fries.

• Seasoned Flattened Squid: This is shredded/flattened squid that has been seasoned with ingredients such as chili, sugar, fish sauce, etc., creating an attractive flavor.

1.3. Classification of dried squid by fishing method

The fishing method affects the freshness and quality of the product:

• Hooked Squid: Caught by hand-lining. Each live squid is processed immediately after being brought ashore, so the meat is very sweet, thick, and chewy. This is a type of dried squid with a relatively high price because it takes a lot of effort and time to catch.
• Net-caught Squid: Caught by nets. They usually have thinner bodies and may have skin abrasions or be weaker from the netting process, so the meat quality is not as good as hooked squid. However, this type of squid is more common, so the price is cheaper, but it still ensures deliciousness if processed correctly.

1.4. Classification of dried squid by harvesting area

The origin of the sea significantly influences the flavor and quality of dried squid. Depending on the water source, salinity, climate, and local processing methods, each type of squid from different sea areas will have its own characteristics as follows:

• Phu Quoc Dried Squid: Famous for its freshness, firm squid meat, and natural sweetness. Thanks to clean waters, dried squid from here is highly regarded for both quality and attractive color.
• Khanh Hoa Dried Squid: This region supplies delicious dried squid, sun-dried properly, retaining its natural sweetness and chewiness. Squid from here is often chosen as a gift due to its uniformity and beautiful appearance.

• Vung Tau Dried Squid: Popular with consumers in the South for its rich squid flavor, ease of preparation, and convenience of storage. This is a large supplier of squid for Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces.
• Co To Dried Squid (Quang Ninh): Although the output is not as large as in other regions, Co To squid is highly appreciated for its chewy texture and unique flavor due to the clear, clean waters.

2. Reasons why dried squid is loved by many people?

Dried squid has become a favorite dish for many Vietnamese families thanks to its rich flavor, characteristic aroma, and moderate chewiness, suitable for both adults and children. Not only is it an attractive snack or an ideal beer accompaniment, but dried squid is also rich in nutritional value, high in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals for the body.

Besides, dried squid can be flexibly processed into many delicious dishes such as grilling, frying, stir-frying, braising, making salads, or pre-seasoned for immediate use. Simply store it in a dry place, and you can use it for a long time without worrying about spoilage. Furthermore, dried squid is also a gift chosen by many people during holidays or when traveling far; although simple, it is still elegant and meaningful.

3. Which type of dried squid is delicious?

Currently, there are many different types of dried squid on the market, but not all of them guarantee the delicious flavor and quality as desired. To choose delicious dried squid, you should prioritize types made from fresh squid or cuttlefish, with straight bodies, thick flesh, natural pink color, and an even coating of white powder.

Delicious squid often originates from famous coastal areas such as Co To, Ly Son, Phu Yen, or Nha Trang, as these places have ideal natural conditions for squid to develop with firm, intensely sweet meat and a characteristic aroma after drying.

Among these, Co To dried squid or Ly Son dried squid are highly rated for their tender flesh, moderate chewiness, and unforgettable rich flavor. Additionally, you should also pay attention to the drying and preservation methods, such as squid dried naturally in the sun, not machine-dried, and not soaked in chemicals, to maintain its delicious quality for a long time.

See more: Is Dried Squid Sashimi Toxic? The Truth Few People Know About This Species

4. Tips for choosing quality dried squid

To choose quality, delicious, standard dried squid that is safe to consume, you can apply the following tips:

• Observe the squid’s color: Prioritize choosing squid with a white belly, natural light pink back with small black spots. Avoid buying squid that is too dark or too white, as it may have been stored for a long time or treated with bleaching chemicals.
• Feel it with your hands: Delicious squid will feel dry to the touch, not damp, not contorted. The white powder adheres lightly, not falling off easily. Especially, a natural fragrance lingering on your hands after touching is a clear plus.
• Carefully examine the head and squid tentacles: Quality squid has its head firmly attached to its body, and its tentacles are light pinkish-white and not detached. If the head is detached or the body is mushy, it is a sign of old squid or improper storage.

• Smell it: Standard dried squid will have a characteristic seafood aroma, not fishy, pungent, or strange. Stay away from squid with chemical smells or mold.
• Buy from a reputable source: Choose a seller with clear origin, professional packaging, and storage processes.

5. Where to buy delicious, quality dried squid?

To buy delicious, quality dried squid, it is important to find a reputable and professional supplier. If you are looking for a place to buy delicious, authentic dried squid at a reasonable price, Ola Squid is a choice not to be missed.

At Ola Squid, we are committed to bringing you authentic dried squid, carefully selected from famous fishing areas such as Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa, Vung Tau, etc.

Ola Squid always prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction. Products such as whole dried squid, flattened seasoned squid, crispy seasoned flattened squid, shredded squid, etc., are all made from real squid, free of preservatives or harmful colorants. In particular, the consulting team at Ola Squid is always enthusiastic to support you in choosing the type of squid that suits your needs, from snacking at home to elegant gifts for holidays.

Above is a summary of the popular types of dried squid on the market today, along with tips for choosing them. Depending on your needs, you can choose the right type of squid to prepare delicious dishes every day or as a meaningful gift. And don’t forget to contact Ola Squid immediately for quick advice and to order at a preferential price today.