Is Dried Squid with White Powder Still Delicious?

Dried squid with white powder is a common sight when buying squid. However, many consumers buying dried squid for the first time often wonder if the white powder on the surface of the squid affects its quality and whether they should buy it. Let’s find out the answers in the article below to understand more!

1. What is dried squid with white powder?

When observing the surface of dried squid, you may see a thin layer of white powder covering it like a fine dust. This is actually sea salt and natural protein that crystallizes and remains on the squid’s body after being sun-dried. This powdery layer is not mold or chemicals, but rather a sign that the squid has been properly sun-dried and is of good quality. The fresher the squid and the longer it is sun-dried under intense sunlight, the brighter its color and the finer, drier the white powdery layer will be.

2. Is thick white powder on dried squid a sign of good taste?

Many people mistakenly believe that dried squid with a thicker white powdery layer is tastier. However, this is not a determinant of the squid’s deliciousness.

In reality, the white powdery layer on dried squid is natural salt and crystallized protein from the sun-drying process. If this powdery layer is thin, even, and lightly adheres to the squid’s surface, it indicates that the squid was dried properly and is made from fresh, delicious ingredients. Conversely, if the white powder is thick, flakes off easily when touched, it is possible that the squid is:

• Stored for too long in the freezer, causing the squid’s body to darken and the powdery layer to thicken abnormally.
• Treated with chemicals or is no longer fresh, leading to a loss of nutritional value and natural flavor.

In addition to the powdery layer, to assess the quality of dried squid, you should also pay attention to other factors such as:

• Color: Light pink on the back, bright white on the belly.
• Shape: Straight body, thick flesh, not torn or scratched.
• Texture: Dry, firm to the touch, not mushy.
• Aroma: Light, characteristic aroma, not foul or fishy.

3. Should you buy dried squid that is black?

Typically, quality dried squid will have a natural, attractive white-pink color after drying. Therefore, if you encounter dried squid that is dark black or dark gray, you should be particularly cautious. Here are some reasons why dried squid might turn black:

• Not cleaned thoroughly before drying, especially not removing the ink sac, causing the ink inside to leak out and darken the entire body.
• Improper storage leading to spoilage and mold, causing discoloration and biến chất (alteration).
• Counterfeit squid, fake squid made of rubber or nylon, intricately disguised to deceive consumers.
• An exception is the cuttlefish (also known as ghost squid), which dries to a characteristic black color but has a very bitter taste, tough flesh, and is not as fragrant or delicious as regular squid.

Read more: How to choose delicious dried squid the right way that not everyone knows

Consuming black dried squid poses potential health risks, especially when the squid is moldy or contaminated. Although some cases, like ink sac contamination, are not harmful, for safety, you should choose dried squid with a bright color, dry body, no black spots, or unusual odors.

4. Tips for storing dried squid

Proper storage will help preserve the flavor and nutritional value of dried squid:

• If using within a short period, you can store the squid in the refrigerator’s cool compartment. However, remember to seal it tightly in a plastic bag and tie the opening securely. This prevents the refrigerator’s cool air from absorbing all the moisture, causing the dried squid to become hard and chewy quickly.
• For long-term storage, it is best to keep the squid in the freezer, vacuum-sealed if possible.
• Absolutely do not store squid in damp places to avoid mold and spoilage.
• Store squid in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Do not store dried squid with fresh or strong-smelling foods, as dried squid easily absorbs odors.

Read more: How to properly store dried squid to maintain its quality

5. Buy delicious dried squid at Ola Squid

If you are looking for a reliable place to buy quality dried squid in Ho Chi Minh City, Ola Squid is one of the recommendations for you. All dried squid products here are carefully selected, with guaranteed origin, full food safety inspection certificates, and are packaged and stored according to strict standards, helping to preserve the freshness and nutritional value of each squid.

Not only does Ola Squid offer whole dried squid, but it also provides customers with a variety of squid-based products such as seasoned shredded squid, crispy rolled seasoned shredded squid, spicy seasoned shredded squid, and more. All are sourced from clean seas and processed according to export standards. In addition to product quality, Ola Squid also offers attractive pricing policies for loyal customers and nationwide delivery support.

We hope that through the above sharing, you have understood more about dried squid with white powder, as well as how to identify delicious and quality squid. If you are looking for a place to buy delicious, safe, and origin-assured dried squid, come to Ola Squid. Contact us today for support, answers to your questions, and to experience the delicious, authentic taste of dried squid.