The tail tube portion contains a thin, clear sliver of cartilage. This cartilage is also known as the cuttle or cuttlebone, hence its family name of cuttlefish.
The cartilage almost looks like a super-thin shard of glass, as you can see in the photo. It is inedible and must be removed. Simply grasp the cartilage with your fingers and pull it from the squid body tube. It should release fairly easily.
More about Squid and Calamari:
• Squid Selection and Storage• Squid and Calamari Cooking Tips and Hints
• How to Clean Squid and Harvest Squid Ink
• What is calamari? FAQ
• Squid and Calamari Recipes
Squid and Calamari Photos © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
