Understanding Your Calamari: What part of squid should you not eat?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that the edible portion of a squid can make up to 80% of its total body weight, significantly higher than many other marine animals? To prepare a safe and delicious meal, understanding what part of squid should you not eat? is essential. This guide covers the key inedible components and walks you through the simple cleaning process.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the specific inedible parts of a squid, including the beak, quill, eyes, and internal organs. It provides a simple, step-by-step process for cleaning fresh squid to ensure a delicious and safe meal. Learn to distinguish between the edible mantle, fins, and tentacles, and what to discard.

Key Points

Identify the beak and quill: These hard, non-edible parts, found in the center of the tentacles and inside the mantle respectively, must always be removed.
Discard the head and innards: The eyes, head section (above the tentacles), and all internal organs should be pulled out and discarded during cleaning.
Peeling is optional: The mottled skin is edible, but many cooks peel it for a cleaner look and more tender texture, especially for fried preparations.
Embrace the edible parts: The mantle, fins, and tentacles are all edible muscle tissue and should be used in your recipes.
Rinse thoroughly: After removing all inedible parts, rinse the remaining edible pieces thoroughly under cold water before cooking.
Consider the ink: The ink sac is edible and can be harvested from the innards for use in sauces, pasta, or rice, though it stains easily.

Identifying the Non-Edible Parts of Squid

While most of the squid's body is edible, several specific components must be removed before cooking. Proper identification is the first step toward a perfectly prepared dish.

The Hard, Cartilaginous Beak

The beak is a small, hard, and sharp piece of cartilage located at the center of the tentacles. It is used by the squid for eating and is inedible. You can remove it by squeezing the base of the tentacles.

The Transparent Quill (Gladius)

Inside the squid's body tube is a thin, clear, plastic-like piece of cartilage called the quill or gladius. This internal shell is not edible and can be pulled out with your fingers after separating the head and innards.

The Eyes and Head

The eyes and the head (behind the tentacles) are not eaten. Cut the head away from the tentacles and discard it. The ink sac is also in this area and is either removed for cooking or discarded.

The Innards

The soft internal organs inside the body cavity are not consumed. They are typically removed with the head, but any remaining parts should be scraped out, and the cavity rinsed.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Squid

Cleaning fresh squid is straightforward. Follow these steps to remove inedible parts:

Separate the Head and Body: Pull the head/tentacle section from the body tube.
Remove the Quill: Pull out the clear quill from inside the body tube.
Clean the Body Tube: Rinse the inside under cold water and remove any remaining innards.
Prepare the Tentacles: Cut the tentacles below the eyes and discard the head and eyes.
Remove the Beak: Squeeze the center of the tentacles to push out the hard beak.
Peel the Skin (Optional): You can peel the skin for a cleaner look and more tender texture.
Final Rinse and Pat Dry: Rinse the cleaned parts and pat them dry before cooking.

A Look at the Edible Parts and Nutritional Benefits

After cleaning, you are left with the edible and nutritious parts. Squid is a lean protein source with essential nutrients, including protein, iron, calcium, B vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA.

Edible Parts vs. Non-Edible Parts: A Comparison


Feature	Edible Parts (Mantle, Tentacles, Fins)	Non-Edible Parts (Beak, Quill, Innards, Eyes)
Composition	Lean muscle, connective tissue	Hard cartilage, internal organs, fluid
Texture	Tender, firm, or chewy (depending on cooking)	Tough, hard, gritty, unpleasant
Nutritional Value	High in protein, low in fat, good source of minerals	None of note; mainly for defense or organ function
Culinary Use	Calamari rings, stir-fries, stews, sushi	Discarded, though ink can be retained for sauces
Preparation	Cut into rings, stuffed, or fried whole	Removed and disposed of during cleaning

Conclusion: Safe Preparation for Optimal Nutrition

Cleaning squid and knowing what part of squid should you not eat? is a vital kitchen skill for a safe and enjoyable meal. Properly removing the inedible parts transforms squid into a versatile, high-protein ingredient. Its nutrient content makes it a great addition to a balanced diet. Starting with properly cleaned squid is key to culinary success. For more seafood tips, explore the BBC Food guide on cleaning squid.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, squid ink is not poisonous and is considered a delicacy in many cuisines, particularly Mediterranean and Japanese dishes. It is used to add a rich, savory flavor and a dark color to food. The ink sac can be carefully removed during cleaning for use, but be aware that it stains.

Yes, the skin on squid is perfectly edible and some people enjoy its slightly chewy texture. However, many cooks choose to peel it off for a more aesthetically pleasing presentation and a more consistently tender finished dish.

The clear, plastic-like sliver found inside the body tube is the squid's gladius, or pen. It is a piece of internal cartilage that is inedible and should be pulled out and discarded before cooking.

Yes, the tentacles and arms of a squid are completely edible. They are a popular part of many squid dishes, including fried calamari, and are often cooked along with the body rings.

To remove the beak, first cut the tentacles away from the head just below the eyes. The beak is a hard, bony piece located at the center of the tentacles. Simply squeeze the base of the tentacles, and the beak will pop out easily.

Look for squid that is extremely fresh, with skin that is white or off-white. If the skin begins to turn a pink or reddish color, it is a sign that it is no longer fresh and should not be eaten.

Yes, 'calamari' is simply the Italian name for squid and is used as the culinary term, particularly for dishes where squid has been prepared for eating. So, when you order calamari, you are eating squid.