Fermentation of salted squid is promoted by work of microorganisms, in addition, a vital role is played by the process in which digestive enzymes contained in guts (mainly midgut gland) cause autodigestion, resulting in production of amino acid.
イカの塩辛の発酵は微生物による働きに加え、内臓（おもに中腸腺）に含まれる消化酵素によって自己消化が起こり、アミノ酸が生成する働きも重要な役割を果たしている。