Frozen whole octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), whole, ungutted and frozen, graded from T1 to T8. It is the standard format for distributors, cooking plants, processors and foodservice buyers who want to work with the whole animal and control their own preparation.
- Presentation
- Whole, ungutted · T1 to T8
- State
- Frozen
Frozen whole octopus for professional buyers
Whole ungutted octopus is the most versatile format in our range. It is supplied as caught, with head and viscera, so each customer can prepare it to suit their own process. That is why it is the format most requested by cooking plants, slicing and processing operations, and distributors serving fishmongers and restaurants.
We work exclusively with frozen product and keep the cold chain under control from origin to delivery. If you would rather skip the cleaning step, our gutted flower octopus arrives ready to cook; if you need one tight size band, see our graded rock octopus at 1–2 kg.
Octopus sizes T1 to T8 explained
Across the trade, whole octopus is graded by individual weight on a T scale. T1 covers the largest animals and the weight per piece falls as the number rises, with T8 grouping the smallest pieces on the scale. The exact weight range of each grade can vary slightly by origin and producer, so treat the bands as a guide and check them on each offer.
Choosing the right size drives yield. Larger grades are usually kept for Galician-style octopus, whole tentacles and slicing, while medium and small grades suit stews, salads, canning and dishes where the octopus is served whole. We can help you match the grade to your end use and market.
Why frozen octopus cooks more tender
Freezing does more than preserve octopus: it improves its texture. As the animal freezes, water in the tissue forms ice crystals that break down part of the muscle fibre, giving a more tender result once cooked. It is the reason octopus has traditionally been frozen or tenderised before cooking.
To keep that quality, store the product at −18 °C or below and thaw it slowly under refrigeration, between 0 and 4 °C. Once thawed, raw octopus should not be refrozen. Packing, glazing and carton size are set to each customer's specification, so tell us what you need.
Uses of whole octopus
- Galician-style octopus (pulpo a feira)
- Industrial cooking, slicing and cooked tentacles
- Grilled or chargrilled octopus for restaurants
- Salads and cold seafood dishes
- Stews and rice dishes
- Canned products and ready meals
Frequently asked questions
What do octopus sizes T1 to T8 mean?
It is the usual scale for grading whole octopus by individual weight. T1 is the largest grade and T8 the smallest. Exact weights per grade vary slightly by origin, so every offer states the actual ranges for that lot.
Is this octopus gutted?
No. This format is whole and ungutted, with head and viscera. If you need a cleaned piece that is ready to cook, we also supply gutted flower octopus in sizes T3 to T6.
How should frozen whole octopus be thawed?
Thaw it slowly in a cold room or refrigerator at 0–4 °C, allowing enough time for the size of the piece. Once thawed, raw octopus should not be refrozen.
Which carton sizes and packing options are available?
Packing, glazing and carton weight are adapted to each customer and market. Let us know your requirements through the form on this page or our contact page and we will prepare a proposal.
Do you supply foodservice and distributors?
Yes. We supply distributors, retail chains, processors, importers and foodservice, always with frozen product and a controlled cold chain. To get a price, request a quote with the size and approximate volume you need.
More frozen cephalopods
Need frozen whole octopus for your business? We will prepare an offer with the size, format and volume you work with.
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