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Fugu - the most dangerous dish in the world?
Fugu is one of the most fascinating and notorious dishes in the world. Prized in Japan as a delicacy, it is prepared from the flesh of the pufferfish (Fugu is the Japanese word for pufferfish). The flesh itself is edible, but the skin, liver and ovaries contain lethal amounts of the poison tetrododoxin. If these any of these elements are consumed, then the effects are often deadly.
You'll be glad to know that restaurants only serve Fugu if prepared by a fully qualified chef (3 years, plus a very difficult exam). The dish is only found in Japan and in the States. The sale of Fugu is banned in the European Union.
Death by Fugu
Let's face it. This is the bit that everyone is interested in and is probably one of the reasons why Fugu is so sought after. It's not particularly nice though so please skip over this part if you're squeamish.The first symptoms from ingesting a lethal dose of tetrodotoxin include dizziness, exhaustion, headache, nausea or difficulty in breathing. Often the lips begin to tingle as the poison takes effect. The victim is conscious throughout the process, and gradually becomes paralysed as the electical impulses to the nerves shut down. Death usually occurs within 24 hours.
In some parts of Japan a fugu victim is laid to his coffin for three days before death is confirmed. If the body does not decompose, then the person is still alive. According to official government sources in Japan, 14 people died from Fugu between 2002-2006. This was usually the result of DIY preparation.
Books on Fugu in Japanese Cooking
Tsukiji: The Fish Market at the Center of the World (California Studies in Food and Culture, 11)
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The Folk Art of Japanese Country Cooking: A Traditional Diet for Today's World
Release Date: 01/14/1993
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What's What in Japanese Restaurants: A Guide to Ordering, Eating, and Enjoying
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At the Japanese Table (Images of Asia)
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Fugu Links
- Japan's Kamikaze Kuisine by Nancy Lyon| Travel Reviews from Travel Intelligence
- An interesting travel article on Fugu in Japan from Travel Intelligence
- Metropolis - Tokyo Food and Drinks: Fugu Ryotei
- How to find a Fugu restaurant in Toyko with recommendations.
- Licensed Fugu Chef in the US - China Star
- A piece about a Fugu chef in the USA.
- NPR : Restaurants That Serve Fugu : Ketzel Levine's Talking Plants
- See a list of the few, the proud, the restaurants that are licensed to serve fugu in the United States.
Popular Fugu Dishes
The raw flesh and skin of the fish is thinly sliced so that it is translucent. It is served with a sour citrus sauce, chives and grated white radish.
Fugu-chiri - The fish is cut into pieces and then added to a pot of boiling water. Vegetable are added. It is cooked for a short time and then served with a sour citrus sauce, chives and red pepper.
Fugu-zosui - Once the Fugu-chiri has been prepared, eggs, rice and salt are added to make a hotpot with a thicker consistency.
Fugu on YouTube
The Fugu Poll
I have visited Tokyo, but was too chicken to try Fugu. I also didn't know that much about it before I went. Apparently some think it tastes bland, others love the chewy texture and subtle flavour. I'd love to know how daredevil other lensmasters would be in the same situation!
Fugu-inspired products on Cafepress
Tiki Fugu Pufferfish Messenger Bag
Price: 19.99
Tiki Fugu Pufferfish Tote Bag
Price: 13.99
The Puffer Forum Mug
Price: 11.99
Fugu Black T-Shirt
Price: 21.99
Blogs on Fugu
- Tidbits from Japan
- When I told David in Japan that the first thing I would do with the binchotan when I got home was ju...
- News On Japan - Technology News: Ehime breeder raises poison-free fugu
- Ehime breeder raises poison-free fugu. Thrill-seeking gourmets have long lusted after the poisonous...
- Fugu: A (Sometimes) Deadly Delicacy
- Posted in Japanese Food Tagged: Blow fish, Blowfish, Dangerous food in Japan, Fugu, Japanese cooking...
- December 2, 2009: Tokyo Travel Day #8 – Fukamachi, La Bombance ...
- Of course, not just any tempura but the high quality offerings served at Fukamachi in Kyobashi where...
Have you tried Fugu? Please let us know!
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Reply
- Umeshu Umeshu Jul 25, 2009 @ 10:20 pm
- I tried Fugu. I had very high expectation (if people are ready to die for it I assumed the taste must be extraordinarily good) and was disappointed. As Sashimi it does not have so much taste on its own and the ponzu taste dominates. However, I like it very much as Fugu no Karaage, when it is deep fried.
Anyhow I understand that the Fugu only develops the poison when eating certain food. I heard that most Fugu served in restaurants are grown in fish farms where they don't get this food and therefore don't include poison. May be this is an interesting topic for further research for this lens (although it takes away the thrill - lol).
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- Matt_Jackson Matt_Jackson Jan 7, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
- Must be hard to relax and enjoy a nice meal of Fugu!!
Thanks for info.
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- Jamflips Jamflips Jun 22, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
- Haven't tried fugu, but frequently eat Jamaican ackee which if not properly prepared can be just as lethal as fugu!
Ackees contain the alkaloid toxins hypoglycin A and B which produce profound hypoglycemia, vomiting seizures and death. I know that many Japanese have visited Jamaica and love reggae nusic and dance hall music, I'm sure they must have tried ackees in the Jamaican national dish "ackee and saltfish" (ackees sauteed with salted codfish, tomatoes and onions).
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- Clairwil Clairwil Nov 8, 2007 @ 12:17 pm
- What a brilliant idea for a lens and really well done.
5*
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