In the U.S., calamari conjures up a platter piled with crisp, fried, rings of squid—garnished with lemon wedges and a sauce for dipping. But in Europe, calamari (which simply means “squid” in Italian) refers more generally to squid in a variety of culinary forms. And at Trader Joe’s, Calamari Pieces in Olive Oil refers to an excellent ‘tinned-fish’ value that is simple, convenient, and delicious!

In the tin are Humboldt-variety squid (aka ‘Giant Squid’), which are caught off the coast of Spain using the traditional jigging method. Fishers drop lines with multiple lures deep into the ocean and ‘jiggle’ to attract the squid. The large tentacles of the captured Calamari are cleaned & cooked just enough to yield a firm, yet tender texture. They’re cut into 1.5-centimeter chunks and packed with extra virgin olive oil & salt.

The mild, slightly briny flavor and tender, meaty texture of Trader Joe’s Calamari Pieces in Olive Oil should win over even the most ‘tin-ative’ tasters; especially when incorporated into a charcuterie board with toasted Organic Baguette slices, Mini Heirloom Tomatoes, Colossal Garlic -Stuffed Olives, and fresh lemon wedges. And these Calamari also score a definite tinned-fish win when added to a bowl of Spanish Rice, or to a batch of prepared Linguine with Pesto & Tomatoes.