Time for something a little different, I picked up a can of these Trader Joe's Calamari Pieces in Olive Oil. I think I was expecting the type of calamari like you'd get as an appetizer at a restaurant. You know, like little rings and tentacles swimming in a bath of some kind of flavorful marinade. This is not that.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 3.5/5.
This is described on the can as being "jumbo squid", so these are just chunks of meat from a much larger mollusk. It doesn't have an aroma I would consider squid-like. It's a bit chewy, like one might expect, and a bit bland. Perhaps that's why squid is more likely to be served marinated, or deep-fried to be dipped in a sauce.
Consequently, I tried pepping it up with a dash of Salsa Espinaler and that seemed to improve things. I'll have to see if there's such a thing as a marinated tinned calamari. This one didn't really make me want to buy more, unless I thought of a good way to jazz it up somehow.
Brand: Trader Joe's
Description: Calamari Pieces in Olive Oil
Species: Jumbo squid
Country of Origin: Spain
Source: FAO27 Northeast Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.91 oz.
Price Range: $4