Calamari

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Another name for squid, calamari is a member of the cephalopod variety of mollusks that also includes cuttlefish and octopus. There are three main species found in oceans around the United States: the long-finned winter squid and the short-finned summer squid found on the East Coast and the opalescent squid, also called California or Monterey squid, found on the West Coast. The giant squid is another species, which is imported from Argentina, Mexico and Japan. Calamari is sweet, with a firm but tender texture when cooked properly. Octopus can be used as a substitution if calamari is not available.