Octopus is growing in popularity as an adventurous food choice. With their strange look and texture, you may be wondering what parts of an octopus are actually edible. Specifically, is it safe and tasty to eat an octopus head? Read on for a deep dive into eating octopus heads.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, you can eat octopus head. The head meat has a rich, sweet flavor and tender texture. It’s perfectly safe to eat when cleaned and cooked properly.
Anatomy of an Octopus Head
Beak
The octopus beak is one of the most interesting parts of the octopus head. It is made of chitin and is located in the center of the arms, where they converge. The beak resembles a parrot’s beak in shape and size.
It is a crucial tool for the octopus, allowing it to capture prey like crabs, mollusks and crustaceans and tear them apart before eating them. The sharp edges of the upper and lower mandibles can deliver a nasty bite, so caution is advised when handling an octopus!
There are two types of octopus beaks: the fuller beak which is found in the genus Octopus, and the thinner and smaller beak belonging to the Cirrina suborder. The size and strength of the beak is proportional to the size of the octopus.
Giant octopuses like the Giant Pacific Octopus have incredibly powerful beaks that can crack open clams and other hard-shelled prey.
Brain
The octopus brain is just as fascinating as its beak. It is considered to be one of the most complex brains in the entire invertebrate world, with over 500 million neurons. The brain is shaped like a donut and surrounds the esophagus in the center of the arms.
It is made up of about 40-45 lobes and takes up a large portion of the octopus’s body, weighing around 60 mg for a medium-sized octopus. In comparison to body weight, the octopus brain is much larger than human brains!
The impressive octopus brain enables these creatures to execute complex cognitive tasks including problem-solving, learning and memory. They can navigate intricate mazes, recognize individual humans, utilize tools, and remember solutions to problems for long periods.
Some even speculate that the sophisticated octopus brain hints at a degree of consciousness, though more research is needed.
Eyes
Octopuses have excellent vision thanks to their two prominent eyes located at the top of the head. Their eyes resemble those of humans in structure, with a cornea, iris, lens and retina. However, their pupils are rectangular rather than round which gives them a distinctive appearance.
These highly complex eyes allow octopuses to discern polarized light and perceive color. They can see wavelengths ranging from 380 to 750 nm, compared to the human range of 390-700 nm. So octopuses can see a slightly broader spectrum including some ultraviolet light.
Interestingly, each eye can work independently and look in separate directions at the same time!
In addition to their main eyes, octopuses have impressive visual systems that include photoreceptors in their skin. This allows them to sense light and perceive the brightness, contrast and shadows surrounding them.
The octopus’s advanced vision combines with its other highly developed senses to make it an extremely aware and alert creature.
Is Octopus Head Safe to Eat?
Beak Removal
The main safety concern when eating octopus heads is the beak. An octopus has a sharp, parrot-like beak used to capture prey and defend itself. To safely eat octopus heads, the beak must be completely removed to avoid choking hazards or mouth/throat lacerations (Cutroneo, 2021).
Carefully cut open the head and clean out the mouth area entirely before cooking.
According to professional chefs, the key steps for safe octopus head preparation are:
- Rinse the octopus head thoroughly under cold water
- Use a sharp knife to slice open the top of the head and expose the interior mouth
- Locate the hard beak and remove it, ensuring no sharp pieces remain
- Inspect the head cavity for any remaining innards and wash out if needed
Following proper beak removal techniques allows even novice cooks to enjoy delicious, tender octopus heads free of hazards. Once prepped, octopus heads can be sautéed, stewed, roasted, or grilled to your liking.
Proper Cooking
Cooking octopus head thoroughly is vital to destroy any bacteria or parasites present (Mouritsen, 2022). According to food safety recommendations, octopus should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to effectively kill dangerous organisms (ServSafe, 2023).
Use a food thermometer to verify temperature.
Methods like boiling, braising, grilling, and roasting for at least 30 minutes ensure octopus heads are safe to eat (Mouritsen, 2022). Stewing for prolonged periods also tenderizes the meat. If reheating pre-cooked octopus, reheat to 165°F (74°C) until hot before serving.
Proper cooking also enhances flavor. Grilling, broiling, sautéing over high heat creates delicious charring and caramelization, while moist-heat methods produce fork-tender meat that nearly melts in your mouth.
As long as the sharp beak is removed and the octopus is thoroughly cooked, the entire head can be safely and delightfully consumed. The tentacles, mantle, and body offer a bounty of sweet, briny seafood treats for the intrepid eater once proper preparation steps are followed.
How to Prepare and Cook Octopus Head
Cleaning
When preparing an octopus head for cooking, it’s important to thoroughly clean it first. Start by cutting off the tentacles right below the head and removing the beak and eyes. Rinse well under cold running water. Use a sharp knife to remove any remnants of the innards from inside the head cavity.
Give it one final rinse before it’s ready for cooking.
Cooking Methods
There are several good options for cooking octopus head. It can be boiled, braised, grilled or roasted. Boiling takes the least amount of time, usually around 30 minutes. This helps soften the meat. Braising and roasting generally take 1-2 hours which allows the flavors to really permeate into the meat.
Grilling gives a nice char and smoky flavor. The cooking time really depends on the size of the head. Using a meat thermometer and cooking to an internal temp of 140°F ensures it’s properly cooked.
Recipes
Some popular octopus head dish recipes are:
- Octopus head curry – The head is boiled then simmered in a sauce of onions, tomatoes, coconut milk and Thai red curry paste.
- Braised octopus head – After boiling, the head is baked in a braising liquid often comprised of wine, tomatoes, garlic and herbs.
- Grilled octopus head – The boiled head gets finished on a hot grill, basted with olive oil, garlic, lemon and parsley.
No matter which cooking method is used, octopus head makes for a unique presentation. When served whole, drizzled with some good olive oil or sauce, it makes quite the dramatic dish!
Taste and Texture of Octopus Head Meat
Flavor Profile
The octopus head contains a dense concentration of muscles, resulting in a rich and intense flavor. When properly prepared, the meat from the head has a sweet, briny seafood taste with savory umami notes. Some describe it as more robust and complex than octopus arm meat.
The exact flavor profile can vary depending on the species of octopus, its habitat and diet, along with preparation methods. Larger, mature octopuses that dine on crab and shellfish boast a full-bodied taste. Smaller, younger ones have a milder flavor.
The meat’s texture also impacts overall taste perception.
Texture
Properly cooked octopus head meat offers a wonderfully unique texture. Expect a firm, dense chew with a subtle crunch from suckers and cartilage. The muscular meat stands up to biting and retains its shape when cooked slow and low.
Undercooked head meat seems rubbery and tough. Extended cooking tenderizes sinewy fibers into submission, yielding a supple, toothsome bite. Finding textural harmony is key. Myriad global cuisines balance the meat’s natural texture against secondary ingredients.
In Spanish pulpo a la gallega, buttery potatoes temper the meat’s chew. Japanese tako wasabi sees tissue-thin slices of arm and head meet the sinus-clearing spice of wasabi. Texture plays a leading role in octopus’ culinary versatility.
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Octopus Head
High Protein
Octopus head is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A 3 oz (85 grams) serving contains approximately 15-20 grams of protein, providing around 30-40% of the daily recommended intake. The protein in octopus contains all of the essential amino acids our bodies cannot naturally produce.
The protein in octopus head promotes muscle growth and maintenance, supports metabolic and enzymatic functions, and helps regulate hormones and blood sugar levels. The high protein content makes octopus head a nutritious choice for athletes, bodybuilders, and those trying to lose excess body fat while retaining lean muscle mass.
Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to protein, octopus head provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals:
- Selenium – supports thyroid and immune system health
- Iron – prevents anemia by aiding red blood cell production
- Phosphorus – supports bone health and tissue repair
- Potassium – regulates fluid balance and blood pressure
- Copper and zinc – promotes immune function and wound healing
- Vitamin B12 – essential for nerve tissue and red blood cells
The vitamin and mineral content in just one serving meets or exceeds over 20% of the recommended daily intake levels.
Heart Healthy Fats
While low in total fat, the majority of fat in octopus comes from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids considered “heart healthy.” These good fats have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce disease risk factors like high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Monounsaturated fatty acids | Help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels |
Polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids | Reduce blood triglyceride levels and blood pressure |
The American Heart Association recommends eating omega-3-rich seafood like octopus 2-3 times per week for cardiovascular protection.
Conclusion
While the idea of eating octopus head may seem strange, the meat is perfectly edible and delicious when properly prepared. The head has a sweet, briny octopus flavor and tender texture. As long as the beak is removed and the head fully cooked, it is safe to eat.
The meat is rich in nutrients like protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. So don’t be afraid to try octopus head next time you get your hands on this unique seafood!