Ink of a cuttlefish

What is ink of a cuttlefish

Ink of a cuttlefish – the special liquid produced by a mollusk which contains in a cavity of his body (an ink bag) and is applied to protection.

Ink bag – special body of a mollusk, the pear-shaped outgrowth of a rectum representing the dense capsule divided into two parts by a membrane. Ready ink whereas in its lower part there is a fabric of special gland which cells are saturated with paint grains are stored in an upper tank of the capsule. After maturing there is a destruction of cells to the subsequent dissolution of dyes in gland enzymes therefore ink of a cuttlefish is formed. Ready ink liquid is stored in an upper part of the capsule till the necessary moment. The devastated tank completely is recovered during the short period (at a cuttlefish ordinary the ink tank is recovered within half an hour).

Scopes of ink of a cuttlefish

Liquid of an ink bag was traditionally used for preparation of brown paint which received the name according to the Latin name of a mollusk Sepiida – sepia. Later curative properties of this substance were open.

Ink of a cuttlefish in small doses also is a part of many medicines, including homeopathic which are generally applied to treatment of neurotic states, the increased nervousness, excitability. This substance possesses the excellent calming action, in combination with other drugs can be used for treatment of sleeplessness. Ink helps to cope with the following symptoms and diseases:

• Hemorrhoidal changes;
• Disturbance of menstrual cycles (it is also applied in complex treatment of gynecologic diseases, climacteric changes);
• Headache with a characteristic pulsation;
• Bronchitis;
• Herpetic rashes;
• Mental disturbances: uneasiness, irritability, hysteria, tearfulness, breakdown.

Now ink of this mollusk began to be applied widely in cookery as a natural food dye and the seasoning giving to dishes surprising black color and unique "sea", saltish taste.

Ink of a cuttlefish can be bought in shop as the independent product ready to the use. It is necessary to remember that the carcass of the frozen cuttlefish also may contain an ink bag. Ink has property to be turned when freezing. The frozen ink parts with a small amount of hot water.

Ink of a cuttlefish: advantage, energy value, nutrition value

Ink of a cuttlefish, as well as meat of a mollusk, a row macro - and microelements, vitamins contains, a set of the amino acids which are promoting improvement of a metabolism, decrease in level of cholesterol, having antiinflammatory effect.

Energy value of 100 g of a "ink" product – 79 kcal

Nutrition value of ink of a cuttlefish:

Proteins – 16,78

Fats – 0,79

Carbohydrates – 0,93

Ink of a cuttlefish which advantage for a human body is indisputable can be found as a part of many semi-finished products available on shelves of shops (various grades of paste – spaghetti, tagliatelle and so forth).

Upon purchase of ink it is necessary to pay attention to the structure specified on packaging. The product should not contain any additives (except salt), otherwise the probability that packaging contains the usual black dye with fragrance addition having nothing in common with a natural product is high.

Consumption

Ink of mollusks – popular ingredient of cookery of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea. The product is used for preparation of risotto, a paella, spaghetti with ink of a cuttlefish. One of restaurants Righi suggests the guests to try the surprising black bread made with addition of ink. Also on the basis of ink of a cuttlefish the unique sauces differing in bright, specific taste are created. Culinary specialists addition of ink at different stages of preparation of a dish practices. Ink of a cuttlefish never combines with meat. An exception is chicken fillet in a difficult Spanish paella. Also "ink" dishes do not give to beer. An ideal combination are white dry and moist wines.

Ink of a cuttlefish is simple in use and does not demand special preparation. So, for preparation of spaghetti with ink of a cuttlefish it is possible to get as a ready-made product (ink is already added to dough for spaghetti), and to add ink of a mollusk in the course of cooking. For preservation of bright, unique "sea" taste, the cook recommend to add ink when the main ingredient is already almost ready.