Learn All About Fugu!
By Ookami
We’re bringing you the story of a delicacy, and aphrodisiac, more deadly than a ninja master. Fugu is puffer-fish, a sought-after dish in Japan, famous not just for its flavour but for its lethal potential.
Usually served sashimi-style (raw), it can also be enjoyed fried, baked, stewed or even in a salad.
How Deadly Is Fugu?
Let’s dive into the danger. Some experts claim that puffer-fish poison is 1 200 times more toxic than cyanide. Just one fish contains enough tetrodotoxin to kill up to 30 people.
The poison is mainly found in the liver, ovaries and eyes. Ironically, some say the liver is the tastiest part. But since it’s the most dangerous, Japan banned serving Fugu liver in 1984.
Tetrodotoxin works by paralysing muscles while the victim stays fully conscious. Breathing becomes impossible, and the victim dies from asphyxiation. There’s no known antidote, but with medical support, the body can sometimes survive by slowly metabolising and excreting the toxin.
Who Can Prepare Fugu?
Despite the danger, less than 6% of Fugu cases in Japan end fatally each year. That’s because chefs must complete two to three years of training and pass a test to be licensed.
Most accidents occur when amateurs or fishermen try to prepare it themselves. Still, the poison-factor doesn’t scare off the Japanese. Around 10 000 tonnes of Fugu are eaten annually, and over 40 species are fished in Japanese waters.
Fugu in Anime – Toriko Style!
Talking about Fugu might remind some Toriko fanatiks of an unforgettable episode. In Toriko Episode 4, our hero catches a fish called the Puffer Whale, which only appears every ten years.
Komatsu carefully prepares the dish, and the trio Toriko, Komatsu and Coco feast on the beach. Even in the anime, the emphasis on careful handling shows how much respect this deadly dish demands.
Final Bite
So, would you be brave enough to try Fugu? As always, leave it to the professionals and enjoy this daring delicacy with a side of caution and curiosity.
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the videos displayed on this page belong to their respective owners or channel. AnimeFanatika does not claim any right over them. Please support the creators by subscribing and liking their content.
We loved putting this article together for your enjoyment and hope you enjoyed the read just as much! If you found it helpful or fun, share the love by posting it on your favourite social media platform.