Japanese like eating “fugu”, or blowfish, but foreighners surprised at eating poisonous fish.
In the old days, eating blowfish, was often deadly.
Japan’s Edo government frequently banned consumption of the poisonous fish to prevent unnecessary militaly losses.
Today, blowfish preparation is strictly regulated, so it is safe to eat it in restaurants with licensed processing specialists.
I hear that Osaka accounts for about 60% of the blowfish consumed in Japan.
Most people call the fish fugu, but in Osaka they use the term “teppou”, meaning gun, because it can kill –at least when it is prepared incorrectly.
“Fugu nabe”, or blowfish stew , is called “tecchiri” In Osaka.
It is a shortened form of “chiri nabe”, a simple hot pot, with “teppou”.
Blowfish has a very light flavor.
It tastes great raw, as sashimi, or deep-fried.
