How to differentiate between fresh ink and frozen ink

Many homemakers struggle with distinguishing between fresh ink and thawed ink when it comes to selecting groceries.

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There is a stark difference in the quality of fresh ink and thawed ink. However, if you’re not careful, you can easily be confused while shopping. In areas that are far from the sea, many people don’t know how to differentiate between fresh ink and thawed ink that has been defrosted.

How to differentiate between fresh ink and thawed ink?

Differentiating between fresh ink and thawed ink is crucial in determining the quality and taste of a meal. You need to have a secret to choosing the freshest and highest quality ink.

Observe the color of the ink

When buying ink, pay attention to the body of the ink to differentiate between fresh ink and thawed ink. Fresh ink will have a shiny body, with most of the spots on its back being black and brown in color. When you touch the body of the ink, you will feel that the ink is firm and has a high bounce. After pressing your finger onto it, the ink quickly returns to its original state without leaving any dents.

With ink that has been frozen for a long time, the body will have a milky white color, and the spots on its back will turn light pink, or even red.

In addition, if the ink shows signs of peeling skin, do not buy it as it has been frozen for a long time.


Differentiating between fresh ink and thawed ink: Fresh ink looks shiny, has firm flesh, and the head and body are securely attached. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Observe the eyes of the ink

The characteristics of the ink’s eyes are easy to identify, and they are an important sign for differentiating between fresh ink and thawed ink that has been defrosted for a long time.

With fresh ink, the eyes will be clear, not protruding, you can clearly see the pupils, and they will not turn yellow or release fluid. On the other hand, if the ink has lost its freshness, the eyes will appear cloudy and sometimes have fluid leaking.

Check the tentacles of the ink

To determine the quality of the ink, check the tentacles to see their condition. If the head and tentacles are firmly attached to each other, it means that the ink is still fresh. Conversely, if the ink is not fresh, the tentacles will be soft and easily detachable. If the ink has been soaked for too long, the two tentacles will break.

In cases where it’s not possible to buy fresh ink, you can choose frozen ink while it is still alive to maintain its almost original quality.

You can recognize ink that has been frozen while still alive through characteristics such as: Blue eyes, a body that is the color of seawater, and almost transparent. When stir-fried, frozen ink that is still alive doesn’t release much or any significant amount of water, and the flesh is sweet, fragrant, and firm, with the tentacles tightly attached to the head.

Thawed ink, when dead, usually has cloudy eyes, soft flesh, and is less sweet.

Some businesses “magically” turn dead ink into fresh and delicious ink using chemicals or by soaking it in water to increase its weight. These types of ink can easily be identified after cooking. If the ink releases a lot of water, it means it has been soaked in water to increase its weight.

According to VTC

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Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to distinguish between fresh and frozen ink. Firstly, fresh ink has a stronger scent, while frozen ink may have a faint or non-existent smell. Fresh ink is also more fluid and will flow smoothly when the bottle is tilted, whereas frozen ink tends to be thicker and may even appear clumpy or frozen in parts. Another key difference is that fresh ink will produce a darker, more vibrant print, whereas frozen ink may result in a lighter or uneven print.

To maintain the freshness of your ink, store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation and exposure to air, which can cause the ink to dry out and change its properties. It’s also important to use clean tools and avoid contaminating the ink with foreign substances, as this can affect its performance and longevity.

Yes, it is possible to revive frozen ink. One method is to place the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, taking care not to get water inside the ink bottle. The gentle heat will help soften and liquefy the ink, making it usable again. However, it’s important to note that once ink has frozen, its properties may have changed slightly, and it may not perform exactly as fresh ink would.

To prevent your ink from freezing, store it at room temperature or slightly above. Avoid exposing the ink to extreme cold temperatures, and keep it away from drafts or cold surfaces. If you live in a particularly cold climate, consider storing your ink in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a heated storage room or cabinet.

Using frozen ink may result in reduced print quality, with lighter or uneven colors. It can also affect the flow and performance of the ink, leading to clogs or inconsistent lines. Once ink has frozen, it’s best to revive and test it on a small scale before using it for important projects, as its properties may have changed slightly.

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