Tips for Purchasing Fresh Octopus for Sale in New York, USA
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- Learn Which Species of Octopus Are Edible
- Determine Whether the Octopus You Are Buying Is Really Fresh
Why Do People Buy and Eat Octopus?
Introduction
Octopuses are solitary ocean creatures that can be found in coastal areas around the world. They feed on crabs, sea snails, clams, and small fish that they usually hunt using their eight strong tentacles. Many people used to be afraid of octopuses for a variety of reasons, such as their appearance and their venomous bite. These marine animals, however, have now become a popular dish served in restaurants around the world.
If you have a sudden craving for octopus, do not worry because Fresh Fin Gourmet is here to help. We are a family-owned specialty store, and we offer fresh octopus for sale in New York, USA. Give in to your desires and place an order on products today!
Fresh Octopus: A Buying Guide
There are many things to consider before buying fresh octopus, whether online or at the nearest seafood market. Here are a few tips that can help you when purchasing your main ingredient:
Learn Which Species of Octopus Are Edible
Conducting ample research is essential, especially if this is your first time buying fresh octopus. Start by checking out which species are actually edible and which ones are the easiest to prepare and cook.
There are plenty of species that can be eaten, but the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), long-arm octopus (Octopus minor), and webfoot octopus (Amphioctopus fangsiao) are among the favorites. These options are often used to make sushi and other well-known octopus dishes.
Determine Whether the Octopus You Are Buying Is Really Fresh
The secret to ensuring that your home-cooked octopus dish will be as tasty as you want it to be is to use fresh ingredients. This can be pretty tricky, though.
One of the best ways to determine the freshness of an octopus is to check how it smells. The best ones should smell like salty seawater. If it emits a foul odor, then it is most likely spoiled or rotten. It is also a good idea to look at the eyeballs. They should be bright, clean, and not reddish if the octopus is indeed fresh.
Why Do People Buy and Eat Octopus?
The demand for fresh octopus continues to increase because more individuals now want to buy and have a taste of it. There are plenty of reasons this ocean creature became a popular dish served all over the world. Here are some of them:
It Is Delicious
Like any other seafood, octopus has a unique taste that many people love. Its strong flavors are complemented by the spices added to it when being prepared and cooked in the kitchen. When grilled to perfection, it is quite crispy, juicy, and tender, with a hint of a smoky flavor. This marine animal also can also become chewy and meaty, depending on the recipe.
It Is a Status Symbol
Octopus used to be only served at fancy restaurants as an exotic delicacy, so only the rich can actually afford to indulge in it. Today, it has become more accessible to most people. However, even if that is the case, there are still individuals who think that being able to eat octopus is a sign of their social status.
It Is Quite Nutritious
Another reason people love eating octopus is the fact that it has a lot of health benefits. After all, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as the following:
Omega 3
Omega 3 is a fatty acid that can be found in many seafood dishes, including octopus. It is an essential nutrient that helps decrease fat levels in the blood. This means that eating foods rich in it is a good way to strengthen the heart and prevent stroke. Omega 3 is also needed to combat joint and muscle pain often caused by certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Iron
A natural component of the blood, iron is essential in transporting oxygen throughout the body. It also helps keep your cells healthy. An insufficient amount of this mineral can cause a person to feel exhausted at times. In more severe cases, it can lead to anemia. To prevent this from happening, it is best to take supplements and eat foods rich in iron, such as octopus.
Vitamin B-12
To function well, the body needs a good amount of vitamin B-12. Fortunately, this nutrient can be found in most seafoods, including octopus. Vitamin B-12 is essential in helping your body produce red blood cells at a normal pace. A sufficient amount of vitamin B-12 is also needed in preventing different medical conditions, such as anemia, macular degeneration, heart disease, bone deterioration, and memory loss.
Calcium
A large portion of the calcium in the body is used by the bones and teeth. This mineral is known to come from milk and other dairy products, but there are other foods that can also be a good source of it. Octopus is one example. Calcium’s importance in keeping a person’s bone and teeth strong and healthy cannot be overstated. The lack of this mineral can lead to brittle and fragile bones, especially among older people.
Source of Fresh Octopus
It is hard to determine how many people actually want to have a taste of octopus, but it is safe to assume that there is a constant demand for it. This leaves many wondering where are these marine creatures actually caught?
Where Do They Come From?
A huge part of the fresh octopus supply around the world comes from seas near China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. There is also a good source of octopus in the American waters, particularly along the Alaskan and Hawaiian coasts. These animals are caught all year, but November to January and May to July are the months where more are captured.
How Are They Caught?
Octopus are known to be extremely clever. In fact, they are considered to be the most intelligent invertebrate because they can use tools, solve puzzles, and understand patterns. However, even though octopuses are incredibly smart, there are still ways to catch them, such as putting traps in strategic areas in the ocean.