Killer Sushi

One thing I've been interested in trying for several years now is fugu (blowfish). Unfortunately, it is extremely expensive and not the easiest thing to find in Tokyo since a restaurant must be licensed to serve fugu and I think it's illegal to serve blowfish in the US. Apparently Osaka is the place for fugu.

I've heard from friends that it doesn't have much taste but that if prepared properly it leaves a tingly, slightly numb sensation on your tongue and in your mouth...that would be from the toxins.

If prepared incorrectly, well, it can kill you.

From the Guardian (UK)...

Seven diners in northern Japan fell ill and three were still in hospital today after eating blowfish prepared in a restaurant not authorised to serve the poisonous delicacy. The owner of the restaurant had no licence to serve blowfish and was being questioned on suspicion of professional negligence, police said.

Iwase said the seven men ordered sashimi and grilled blowfish testicles at the restaurant last night. Shortly after, they developed limb paralysis and breathing trouble and started to lose consciousness – typical signs of blowfish poisoning – and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Three people died and 44 others became ill from blowfish poisoning in Japan in 2007 – most of them after catching the fish and cooking it at home, according to the health ministry.