Octopus: Hard to Swallow

Most everyone knows about the amazing physical feats octopi are famous for: changing color at lightening fast speeds, squeezing their boneless bodies through tiny openings, etc. Many of you are probably familiar with the claims that the invertebrate is highly intelligent, a master of dexterity, manipulation, curiosity, memory and even personality. According to this article, octopi in the wild are also ingenious impersonators, known to mimic sole, lion fish, and sea snakes to fake out their predators. Unlike other mimics who impersonate only one creature, researchers claim certain species of octopi have a wide range of characters they can play, mostly poisonous, which they choose based on which predator is nearby. They change their color, body shape, and swimming pattern to emulate the other species. Being able to do many impersonations is a much better way to mimic, since predators are more likely to suspect a mimic that only has one routine.

Knowing all this, my question to you is this: would you eat one…alive? On one episode of the National Geographic show “Taboo”, I watched a segment about people in Korea who enjoy eating small, whole, live octopi in one big bite. The dish is called Sannakji, and although it is popular in Korea, many claim it is an acquired taste. It is served either cut into small pieces (that are still wiggling around the plate) or whole. Since the suction cups on the octopus are still active, great care must be taken when eating it. Many cases of people choking to death while eating sannakji have been reported. Many venues will prepare the octopus for eating by stretching and tiring it out. All countries have their own foods that others may find extreme, but could you stomach eating something that fights back?

Jane de Verges (5)