Ika

For many people, squid means calamari. But for those with actual taste buds, squid means Ika, specifically aori-ika, the half-milky, half-translucent, somewhat firm neta that is succulent, crunchy and flavorful, all at the same time. Other species include Yari-ika (Spear Squid), less translucent and available earlier in the year, and Sumi-ika (cuttlefish), available in the fall.