Squid Ink Purposes and Uses

kelolalaut.com - Squid ink is a dark-colored ink that produced by squid, it is also called cephalopod ink. The purpose of this ink is as a defense mechanism to helping the animal escape from their predator by obscuring their view. The squid ink contain many compound such as amino acid, melanin, polysaccharide, enzymes and hormones. Melanin is the main compound of this ink, it’s give the dark color because melanin is a type of pigment. It is the same pigmen that gave hair and skin color for human. 

Humans also use squid ink for many purposes including art, cosmetics, writing, traditional medicines and food additive. In early time, it was used in Chinese medicine to treat blood and heart issue. Then during the 19th century, squid ink is widely used for writing, drawing and painting. Nowadays it is commonly used as a food additive and food coloring. It is mostly utilize in Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. The squid ink has a savory flavour that helps enhance the flavour of the food and its appealing color. It is most used in pasta and rice dish.

Squid ink is safe to consumes, it is used as food additive that can helps enhance the food taste. The savory flavour of squid ink comes from glutamates, of one amino acid types that contained within the ink. Glutamates makes the food has savory and umami taste. If you buy fresh whole squid you can find the ink on the ink sac. Other way you can purchase bottled or packaged squid ink on store. Squid ink already has a rich taste, so if you want to use it just add a couple spoon to your dish. Sometimes commercially sold squid ink is a cuttlefish ink because they have more rich and palatable flavour. Therefore, if you wish to buy squid ink make sure to read the labels of the product properly.