Fugu

Guide Note

The Japanese pufferfish, known as Fugu, is a delicacy of Asian cuisine, but must be prepared by strict standards, as it contains lethal amounts of tetrodotoxin, a poison which paralyzes human muscles and causes death by asphyxiation.

Fast Facts

1. Poison found in the liver, ovaries and skin¹
2. 70-100 people die every year from improperly prepared Fugu²
3. Tetrodotoxin ingestion has a 50% fatality rate²
4. Fugu scraps must be incinerated to avoid accidental ingestion

A chef must have a special license in order to prepare fugu for the public, obtained by taking several tests.¹

Fugu is prepared using a special, thin knife called a Fugu Hiki, used to extract the most amount of meat while eliminating the poison.

Most fugu entrees cost between 50 and 100 dollars on mainland Japan.³ Fugu Sashimi is prepared thin and served alongside fugu fins served in sake.

Fugu meat is the most succulent between November and February, as the fish meat strengthens to withstand cold water. It is also the most expensive during this time.