I found the following information relating specifically to grading of frozen arrow squid on the [url="http://www.frankmason.com.au/squid_sardines.php"]Frank Mason website[/url]. Frank Mason is a Wholesale Seafood Importer, Exporter based in Australia. The main message is that jigged squid will be better quality than trawled (i.e. netted) squid. Though I guess this fact is not advertised in fish shops.
What should I look out for in seafrozen arrow squid on offers?
[color="green"]Squid is fished by two main methods. Jig ââ¬â which maintains the squid in pristine condition & Trawl ââ¬â where the squid is prone to some damage and there can be some sand and other debris.
In both catching methods packing occurs in two styles. Whole - The squid is graded visually into U/200, 200/400, 400/600 & 600+ grams per squid. But it is not cleaned or sorted for damage or quality. Headed & Gutted - The squid is cleaned and sorted for quality & damage and then visually graded into U/100, 100/200, 200/300 & 300+ grams per squid.
The jig caught product is generally about 10% dearer and many consider it too expensive for reprocessing for the Australian domestic market. [/color]
What should I look out for in seafrozen arrow squid on offers?
[color="green"]Squid is fished by two main methods. Jig ââ¬â which maintains the squid in pristine condition & Trawl ââ¬â where the squid is prone to some damage and there can be some sand and other debris.
In both catching methods packing occurs in two styles. Whole - The squid is graded visually into U/200, 200/400, 400/600 & 600+ grams per squid. But it is not cleaned or sorted for damage or quality. Headed & Gutted - The squid is cleaned and sorted for quality & damage and then visually graded into U/100, 100/200, 200/300 & 300+ grams per squid.
The jig caught product is generally about 10% dearer and many consider it too expensive for reprocessing for the Australian domestic market. [/color]