Why, Oh Why Do They Remove the BLACK INK from the SQUID???

Ever since my family and I moved here in the States, I've never seen a squid with its black ink intact even if you buy them fresh or one of those frozen big box of squid (with the tentacles and all) from the Asian markets. I've always wondered why they would clean them out and remove the ink from all of its existence. What did they do with them? Did they extract them out? Do they throw them out? Where, Oh Where is the BLACK SQUID INK???

As far as I can remember growing up in the Philippines, the ink of the squid is the best part of it all! I miss "Adobong Pusit" (Squid Adobo) and I haven't had it since I left the Philippines more than two decades ago!!! Plus, it's the only "blackened" saucy dish I would really eat. I would never dare touch "Dinuguan" for the life of me (Pork Blood Stew with all the organs...hmmm...I really can't imagine eating it...I'm sorry it's not for me...it's a mental thing that I can't get over, but that's my problem I have to deal with). But when it comes to the Squid's black ink, I'm all nostalgic about it and I can only taste it in my dreams...

So, without further ado, I went on a squid ink hunt over the net. I just couldn't believe that they actually sell SQUID INK in small bottles and the price is quite OUTRAGEOUS!!!

A popular Spanish online store here in the US called La Tienda carries them! For a 17.9 oz jar, they're asking $45 for it!!! WOW! WHOA!! WHAT THE HECK!!! And get this, for an 8-packet, each at .14oz, oH YeAH, it's not a typo, it truly is .14oz , which goes for $8.95!!! WOW! I never realized how expensive they are selling them for!

That's it!!! I'm packing my bags and I'll fly back to the Philippines just to eat all the squid I can with all the ink in it!!! Most likely...hmmm...most DEFINITELY if I go to any of the fish markets in the Philippines and I get can buy kilos of squid for a very reasonable price with all the ink still in the sac! That's right, with ALL the ink of which I don't have to beg for...a set market price without over-charging me because the squid still has its ink in them! I am truly FLABBERGASTED!!!

After doing the math, I guess they got me on this one. If I really, Really, REALLY want it, I just have to settle for a bottle of squid ink for now :'( It will cost me an arm and a leg, but I guess that's a price you pay for something REALLY good and OUT of REACH...

P.S. I am currently taking donations for squid ink from the Philippines...hahaha...anybody, please save some ink for me, will ya??? I will send you a tiny Mason Jar for it!