Common name: Jumbo flying squid, Humboldt squid, Jumbo squid

Japanese name: Amerikaooakaika (アメリカオオアカイカ)

Scientific name: Dosidicus gigas (Orbigny, 1835)

Nigiri sushi detail: Jumbo flying squid (Amerikaooakaika) Nigiri sushi

Characteristics:

Jumbo flying squid (Amerikaooakaika) is distributed from off the coast of California, USA to Chile, South America. It lives at depths of 200-700 meters. The length can reach up to 2 meters. The other name, Humboldt squid, was given to this species because it is caught in the cold Humboldt Current that flows northward from the Antarctic Ocean.

Research has revealed that the different tastes of Amerikaooakaika include a strong saltiness, acidity, bitterness, and a fishy taste. The acidity and other tastes were then adjusted and the products were dipped in artificially sweetened water. Amerikaooakaika, already cut, is mainly used in ready-made food, fried products, and sushi. Its thick flesh makes it very satisfying to eat and is an essential part of Japanese squid consumption.