Desperately Seeking Cuttlefish

[carln]

I just got back from a trip to Greece and Cyprus where i had some great cuttlefish dishes. I cant seem to find fresh cuttlefish anywhere in the US and have searched extensively online. If you have any idea where i can get some, please let me know. Thanks

[Adrienne]

This may get the thread moved to your local board, but I think your feedback will be better if you tell us where you are. In general, I would say ask at your nicest specialty fishmonger whether they would be willing to order it for you.

[carln]

thanks. im in Los Angeles

[purple goddess]

would you fish for you own??

Seems the cuttlefish season on LA is around oct.

[carln]

i absolutely would. I didnt even realize there was a cuttlefish season in LA. I will definately look into that. thx

[Alan408]

Where is LA ?

I don't think there are cuttle fish in American Waters. Cuttlefish are an Eastern Atlantic Ocean/Mediterranean/Baltic Seas resident.

If you are interested in Los Angeles (LA), a couple of years ago, a large squid showed up, their common name is Humboldt Squid, they are in the 20-40lb range. Some like to eat them, the one I tried did not taste good, sort of bitter. I have been told to soak the flesh in milk, I eat local (California) squid instead, common name is market squid, size to be commercial grade is ~10 squid/lb.

I have not seen locally harvested Humboldt Squid in markets, processing is labor intensive. Humboldt Squid are commercially harvested and processed in; Mexico, Chile and Peru, available in US markets as frozen, usually in "steaks", a piece ~4"x6", often tenderized.

[carln]

thanks for the info Alan

[dhedges53]

An interesting and unusual taste. We used to have a restaurant here in Denver called the Panda, a Chinese restaurant, that served this. I loved it. But, it would make my restaurant partners mad when I would order it because we would all share each others dish. And, they hated cuttlefish. I'll be looking forward to hearing other responses. I would look at an Oriental Supermarket as opposed to a Greek market.

[carln]

i have tried the asian markets and once in a great while, i can find frozen cuttlefish. It sure would be nice to find the fresh stuff though.

[HaagenDazs]

It is widely believed (though not really proven) that frozen cuttlefish/squid/octopus is quite possibly better than fresh. Freezing the product helps tenderize the flesh. Go for the frozen and enjoy!

[carln]

i hear ya...and i have heard that before...but based on my own research, you cant beat fresh.