Dried squid
Flattened dried squid
Seasoned Shredded Squid
Dried squid snack
Tiếng Việt
ไทยDried squid is a national snack and a rich, ocean-flavored gift deeply favored by Vietnamese consumers. Among the various types of dried squid on the market, coin dried squid is small in size, convenient, and boasts an irresistibly rich, sweet flavor. So, what is coin dried squid, what are current prices, and how can you choose top-quality products? Let’s explore in detail with Ola Squid through the article below.
What is coin dried squid?
Coin dried squid (also known as coin-sized dried squid) is a small-sized dried squid, only slightly larger than a coin or about the size of 2 – 3 adult fingers. The squid body is thin, averaging about 100 – 200 squids/kg.
Coin dried squid is harvested in famous coastal regions with ideal salinity and abundant seafood sources such as Quang Ninh, Ca Mau, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan… Each coastal region gives the squid a very distinct, rich sweetness.
The processing procedure for coin dried squid is quite simple. After fishermen catch them ashore, fresh squid are slit open at the belly, internal organs and ink sacs are removed, and then washed with seawater. Next, the squid are sun-dried under natural strong sunlight (rack-dried or pole-dried) or put into a modern drying system to preserve their natural sweetness.
See more: Production process of delicious, standard dried squid
Despite its modest size, coin dried squid contains high nutritional value. Squid is rich in protein to provide energy, contains plenty of calcium and iron good for bones and blood, along with abundant iodine supporting efficient thyroid function.
Distinguishing coin dried squid from other types of dried squid
Despite its modest size, coin dried squid contains very high nutritional value. Squid is rich in protein to provide energy, contains plenty of calcium and iron good for bones and blood, along with abundant iodine supporting efficient thyroid function.
Comparison table of coin dried squid with other mini dried squid lines
| Comparison criteria | Coin dried squid | Mini dried squid (baby squid) | Banana dried squid |
| Size | Small like a coin (100 – 200 squids/kg) | Medium small (60 – 80 squids/kg) | Long body, tapered like a small banana |
| Body thickness | Thin body, flat, easy to grill | Moderate thickness | Thicker body than coin squid |
| Meat translucency | Slightly translucent meat, clear muscle fibers | Slightly more opaque meat | Thicker meat, less translucency |
How to recognize standard coin squid
You can easily recognize standard coin dried squid through natural senses:
- Color: The back of the squid has a natural light pink color, and the belly is white.
- Translucency & Powder layer: The squid body is slightly transparent when held up to the light, and the outside is covered with a thin, smooth natural white powder layer.
- Flavor & Chewiness: The squid emits a characteristic mild fishy aroma of dried seafood; when grilled and torn, the meat is gently pliable and chewy, richly sweet without being mushy or stringy.
Note on distinguishing fake squid/poor quality: Poor quality or fake squid usually has a dark opaque red color, lacks a natural powder layer, and smells of chemical pungent odors or moldy smells when smelled. When grilled, the squid crumbles, has no muscle fibers when torn, and tastes bitter from seasoning.
See more: What is dried rice squid? Proper processing and storage methods
What is the current price of coin dried squid?
The price of coin dried squid is a factor of great concern to consumers. Depending on size, origin, and seasonal fluctuations, prices will vary to a certain extent.
- Large/medium size (about 150 squids/kg): Price is about 280,000 VND/kg.
- Small size (about 200 – 250 squids/kg): Price ranges from 240,000 VND to 279,000 VND/kg (or 130,000 VND – 240,000 VND for a 500g pack).
Squid harvested in famous sea areas (such as Ca Mau, Co To), originating from reputable brands or carefully vacuum-sealed usually costs more than unbranded squid. Conversely, dried squid of unknown origin, poorly packaged, or lacking quality assurance may have lower prices but carries potential risks regarding quality and safety.
To ensure the right choice, you should refer to prices from multiple sources, while balancing price and quality, avoiding buying products that are too cheap.
See more: Detailed update on dried squid prices by type
Warning about unusually cheap prices: If you see coin dried squid advertised at super cheap prices (under 300,000 VND/kg), be cautious, as it could be years-old moldy squid, chemical-bleached squid, or water-soaked squid to increase weight.
How to store coin dried squid for a long time
To keep coin dried squid sweet, fragrant, and free from mold, you need to store it properly. Below are the timelines and standard dried squid storage methods:
- Freezer storage (< -18°C): Keeps the squid for 6 – 12 months. This is the best way to retain the full flavor and nutrition of the squid.
- Refrigerator storage (0 – 4°C): Suitable for gradual consumption within 1 – 2 months.
- Room temperature storage: A dry, cool place can keep the squid for 2 – 4 weeks.
- Periodic re-drying: If left at room temperature, after 1 – 2 weeks you should take the squid out to dry under mild sunlight for about 1 – 2 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Vacuum sealing storage: Tightly vacuum-sealed and frozen squid can extend shelf life up to a maximum of 12 months without fear of losing its original quality.
Experience in choosing quality coin dried squid
To make your family meals or gathering sessions with friends complete, you can refer to the tips for choosing delicious coin dried squid shared by Ola Squid below:
- Natural powder layer: Good squid usually has a thin white powder layer lightly covering the surface, which is natural salt appearing when sun-dried, a sign that the squid is fresh and properly dried.
- Bright color: Quality dried squid will have a light pink color mixed evenly with white, not turning dark gray or purple-red, colors that indicate old or poorly stored squid.
- Moderate dryness: Properly sun-dried squid will be dry on the outside but still retain slight moisture on the inside, helping to preserve sweetness and chewiness. If the squid is bone-dry or brittle, it may be excessively dehydrated.
- Size and body: Coin squid is usually small, thin-bodied, with meat that is not thick but has a characteristic aroma and natural sweetness.
- Aroma: Standard squid has a gentle, pleasant fishy aroma of sun-dried seafood, absolutely no pungent odors or strange chemical smells.
Coin dried squid has a thin body and small size, so the head easily detaches from the body during the drying process. This is a natural characteristic that does not affect quality, so you do not need to worry too much when seeing that the squid is not whole.
See more: How to choose delicious dried squid, avoiding buying fake goods
Where to buy reputable coin dried squid?
Finding a reliable dried seafood business address will give you peace of mind regarding quality as well as your family’s health.
Criteria for choosing a reputable address
When choosing where to buy coin dried squid, you should consider the following important criteria:
- Products have clear origins, transparent about the harvesting fishing grounds.
- The processing process ensures food hygiene and safety, committing not to use bleach or toxic preservatives.
- Carefully packaged (vacuum-sealed), with clear labels, production dates, and expiration dates.
- The brand receives many positive reviews and feedback from real customers.
- Has clear return and refund policies if products are defective or not as described.
Quality coin dried squid purchasing addresses
Currently, you can find and buy coin dried squid through the following reputable channels:
- Major e-commerce platforms (Shopee/Lazada): Look for Official Stores (Mall) or Preferred Shops with high purchase counts and positive reviews.
- Thao Chanh Import-Export Co., Ltd.: Located at 235 Nguyen Du, Tan Thanh Ward, Ca Mau Province, is a leading unit specializing in supplying and distributing quality dried seafood lines.
- Kieu Nuong Dried Seafood Warehouse: A familiar address for consumers who love rich Western region sea dried goods. Kieu Nuong Dried Seafood specializes in Ca Mau specialties, with facilities in Song Doc (Ca Mau) and 927 Cach Mang Thang 8, Tan Son Nhat Ward, HCMC.
- Hoa Hong Clean Dried Goods: A reputable brand specializing in small coin dried squid and diverse dry goods such as shrimp, fish, dried squid, honey (wholesale and retail), neatly and safely packaged.
- Ola Squid Website: Specializes in providing dried squid product lines, premium coin dried squid carefully selected from famous sea areas like Phu Quoc, ensuring freshness, export standards for Asian markets like Thailand, China, Malaysia,…, ensuring authentic taste, hygienic safety, and fast home delivery.
Dried squid products at Ola Squid not only conquer customers with their natural sweet flavor but also thanks to the dried squid processing and production process that guarantees food hygiene safety and proper storage standards. Whether you are a retail customer or a wholesale seller, Ola Squid is always ready to serve with large quantities and competitive prices.
The above article provides detailed information about prices, dishes made from coin dried squid as well as reputable purchasing addresses. Contact Ola Squid immediately via hotline 0989.616.989 for consultation and price quotes when ordering fresh, quality dried squid.
