Totally Tokyo

Faced Death by Fugu

Takifugu is a genus of pufferfish, often better known by the Japanese name Fugu (Japanese: 河豚, literally "river pig").
The fish is highly toxic, but despite this — or perhaps because of it — it is considered a delicacy in Japan. The fish contains lethal amounts of the poison tetrodotoxin in the internal organs, especially the liver and the ovaries, but also in the skin and the testicles. Therefore, only specially licensed chefs can prepare and sell fugu to the public, and the consumption of the liver and ovaries is forbidden. But because small amounts of the poison give a special desired sensation on the tongue, these parts are considered the most delicious by some gourmets. Every year a number of people die because they underestimate the amount of poison in the consumed fish parts.

The poison paralyzes the muscles while the victim stays fully conscious, and eventually dies from asphyxiation. There is currently no antidote, and the standard medical approach is to try to support the respiratory and circulatory system until the effect of the poison wears off. The fish is also featured prominently in Japanese art and culture.

**Compliments of Wikipedia.org

I ate it, I loved, and it was delicious!!

(let's hope it doesn't have a delayed reaction.... :) )

posted by Stephy-ru @ Saturday, December 02, 2006