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 a few key indicators that can help you distinguish between fresh and frozen ink. Firstly, fresh ink will have a stronger scent, resembling that of a printer or new markers. Frozen ink, on the other hand, may have a faint smell, but it won’t be as potent. Secondly, fresh ink is more fluid and will flow smoothly when you tilt the bottle. Frozen ink tends to be thicker and may even appear clumpy or frozen in parts.

Fresh ink offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides more vibrant and true-to-color results, ensuring your prints or artwork pop with color. Secondly, fresh ink is less likely to clog your printer nozzles or pen tips, reducing the risk of smudging or uneven lines. It also tends to dry faster, which is beneficial for projects that require quick turnaround times.

Frozen ink can still be used, but it’s important to take the right precautions. Before using frozen ink, allow it to thaw completely at room temperature. Avoid placing it in the sun or using a heat source to speed up the process, as this can affect the ink’s consistency and quality. Once thawed, give the ink a good stir to ensure any separated pigments are mixed back together evenly.

Fresh ink typically has a longer shelf life and can be stored for up to two years if kept in a cool, dark place. Frozen ink, on the other hand, should be used within six months of freezing. It’s important to label and date your ink bottles to keep track of their freshness.

Yes, proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality of your ink. Always store ink in a cool, dry, and dark place, as exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures can affect its performance. Keep the bottles tightly sealed when not in use to prevent air exposure, which can cause the ink to dry out or change consistency.

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