Cuttlefish
Seiche
| Latin name | Sepia officinalis |
|---|---|
| Family | Shellfish & molluscs |
| Origin | Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean |
| Season (France) | March – June, September – October |
| Flavour | Sweet · Marine · Umami · Rich |
| Typical price (France) | 10–18 €/kg |
What it is
Its ink was the original sepia — the brown of old photographs and Renaissance drawings is named after this animal, and was made from it for centuries. The internal shell is the cuttlebone sold in birdcages.
In the kitchen
Thicker and meatier than squid, and it takes longer. Give it forty minutes of gentle braising rather than a fast sear.
Goes with
Squid ink Garlic Tomato Olive oil Chili pepper Parsley Arborio rice White wine vinegar
Same species
In season alongside
Brown crab Hairy crab Velvet swimming crab American lobster Bonito (katsuo) Brill
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