Octopus
The octopus is a carnivorous animal, it feeds on some crustaceans and fish, as well as some algae. It belongs to the octopod family and is classified as a shellfish. There are about 300 species of octopus. It has a soft body and eight tentacles, the tentacles have adherent suckers. To go unnoticed by its enemies, it mimics the textures and colors of its surroundings, all thanks to pigment cells in its skin. The ink also serves to prevent predators from seeing it clearly, as well as to diminish the smell of its attackers and prevent them from following its trail.
Properties and benefits of octopus
The octopus has numerous properties, both to take care of us on the outside and on the inside. Its low water content and low fat content make it ideal for a healthy and balanced diet, as it is low in calories and saturated fats.
It also helps to keep iron under control, avoiding anemia. The taurine it contains helps us to fight cholesterol, cure arrhythmias, prevent diabetes, and everything that has to do with metabolism. It contains iodine, which regulates metabolism, helping to convert food into energy.
It is an excellent disinfectant since the octopus ink nullifies the activity of microbes. Its ink also helps in depressions. Quinine and chitosan, which the wonderful animal has in its skeleton, is an excellent material for the manufacture of contact lenses, artificial bones, etc.
Besides, the octopus is a very good remedy to fight bronchitis, arteriosclerosis, dysmenorrhea, liver failure, etc. It also helps us to keep our hair, nails, muscles and skin in good condition.
Where to fish
The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) divides the world into different fishing zones, which are identified with a number. Our octopuses are fished in FAO-34, which corresponds to the East Central Atlantic zone. This zone corresponds to the territory from the Gulf of Guinea to the Strait of Gibraltar. The main exporting areas of frozen octopus are the Moroccan coast and, to a lesser extent, the coasts of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
Tips to buy frozen octopus
Buying frozen octopus is the best option if we want to find it very tender when cooking, since when it is frozen the fibers are broken, which makes the meat tough.
It is better to buy the octopus already clean, that avoids us the cumbersome work of cleaning and peeling it. In addition, with the great advantage that it is much more economic, so, at the same time that it helps us to take a healthy diet, the pocket does not suffer. Our cooked octopus will be a success.
How to cook it: Chickpea wok with garlic octopus
This is a healthy, simple, quick and delicious meal. Frozen octopus offers many possibilities in the kitchen, this is a great example to put into practice. What do we need?
Ingredients (2 servings)
Coarse salt
1/2 glass of white wine
1 jar of cooked chickpeas
4 garlic cloves cut in slices
Extra virgin olive oil
Paprika
Steps (15 minutes)
The first thing to do is to brown the garlic with a little oil.
Add the octopus, when it has defrosted and sauté it with the garlic. Then add the wine, paprika and salt.
When the liquid is half full, add the chickpeas, sauté for a few minutes and we can enjoy this magnificent and simple delicacy.
