Octopuses are unique in the way they process pain. They have nociceptors, neurons that detect noxious stimuli, and pain receptors that create neural responses similar to those in humans. Interestingly, scientists noted that es do not emit any sounds when in pain, unlike other animals.
Despite their silent suffering, there is a disturbing trend among some chefs and restaurant owners to serve live octopus dishes, where the animal is either consumed while still moving or killed and served immediately. This practice not only causes immense suffering to the octopus but also poses a danger to humans who consume it.
If you want to enjoy octopus without causing harm and distress, here’s how not to make the octopus scream:
1. Don’t serve it alive
The most humane way to prepare octopus is to kill it before cooking. Using a sharp knife, insert the point behind the eyes under the mantle and cut down and forward towards the head until the blade pierces the brain. This is a quick and painless method that ensures the octopus does not suffer.
2. Choose humane harvesting methods
Octopus should be harvested with care to avoid hurting the animal. Avoid trawlers, which often use nets that capture everything in their path, including octopuses. Instead, opt for pole and line fishing, which is more selective and less harmful to marine life.
3. Don’t use tenderizers
Contrary to popular belief, tenderizing octopus with salt or beating it against a hard surface before cooking does not make it more tender. Instead, it causes the animal to suffer and can even toughen the flesh. The best way to tenderize octopus is to cook it low and slow or use a pressure cooker.
4. Don’t serve it raw
Octopuses have parasites that can infect humans if consumed raw. Always ensure octopus is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill any potential pathogens.
5. Don’t serve it as a novelty dish
Live octopus dishes are often served in a novelty manner, with the animal squirming on the plate. This not only causes immense suffering to the octopus but also poses a danger to humans who consume it. Octopuses have been known to fight back and choke humans if they feel threatened or in pain.
In conclusion, octopuses are incredible creatures that deserve our respect and compassion. If you want to enjoy octopus without causing harm, always choose humane harvesting methods, kill the animal before cooking, and cook it thoroughly. By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy octopus without causing pain and distress to one of nature’s most intelligent creatures.