The deadliest foods in the world
When traveling around the globe I like to give all kinds of traditional foods a try and I’m pretty sure that most of you might do that. However, we should all take care because some of these might not be actually edible! Here’s a list of what traditional dishes you should avoid.
1: Fugu – Shimonoseki, Japan
Fugu, also known as pufferfish, is a fish whose liver and large internal organs contain lethal amounts of the poisonous toxin “tetrodotoxin” for which there is no antidote. However, there are respected special fugu chefs in Japan, who try to leave a specific amount of the venom needed to give a unique flavor to the fish. If you’re brave enough, go ahead and give it a try!
Fugu – Shimonoseki, Japan
2: Ackee – Jamaica
It’s the national fruit of Jamaica. Although it is rich in vitamins and protein, if the fruit is eaten before it has matured enough, it has lethal properties. It prevents the glucose to be released by the liver, which leads to constant vomiting and seizures.
Fresh ackee in Jamaica
3: Bullfrog – Africa
Why would someone be reconciled only with frog legs in France if he can take the whole frog? The gigantic Giant Namibian Bullfrog is a delicacy in the African nation, as long as it is hunt and eaten at the right time. In other words, it should be in its mating season otherwise it may lead to renal failure.
Bullfrog – Africa
4: San Nak Ji – Korea
It doesn’t take a great effort to make one serving of san nak ji (small raw octopus) for the fans of a ‘alternative’ food. These small octopus tentacles are cooked in olive oil with sesame seeds which are still stuck with its suckers. Tip: if you want to taste it, chew thoroughly before swallowing as choking incidents are not few.
San Nak Ji – Korea
5: Apricot Seeds – Turkey
As much as it seems strange, apricots CAN be fatal. Since we were kids, we were given the dietary advice to eat lots of fruits and vegetables but nobody spoke about the dangerous toxins that exist and need to be eliminated. The seeds from cherries, plums, peaches, almonds, apricots and apples also contain hydrogenous cyanide. A fruit a day may keep the doctor away but beware of the high consumption!
Apricot Seeds – Turkey
6: Cassava – Africa, South America
The leaves and seeds of cassava are surprisingly rich in cyanide. The Cassava is a tropical vegetable originating in South America, but it’s also common in Africa, mainly for its juice, which is used to produce a drink called piwarry.
Cassava leaves with Coconut Milk
7: Casu Marzu – Italy
The Casu Marzu is actually illegal in Italy, and indeed many around the world consider it more than junk food. However, the preparation is so thorough, just like the preparation of an amazing dessert. Cheese made from sheep milk is left out to “rot”. Throughout this course it is regularly visited by a species of flies that help in the process by generating their eggs inside the cheese. The eggs remain inside until they pop and start eating the cheese. At the end, these worms soften the cheese and make it ready to eat! The thing is that, in order to reduce its toxicity, you have to eat as it is, with the worms in it!
Casu Marzu – Italy
8: Elderberries – Europe
Perhaps it is the least lethal food in that list, yet it’s potentially dangerous unless it is mature enough. There have not been several documented cases of death, but certainly it is not in the category of harmless.
Elderberries ripening in Anderlecht
9: Bloody Clams – Shanghai, China
That’s the food that can infect you with hepatitis. Although it is considered to be one of the most delicious dishes in the country, their making requires quick cooking, something that eliminates viruses and bacteria, including those of hepatitis and dysentery!
Bloody Clams – Shanghai
By Nikos K
Travel photo 1: greatsage, Travel photo 2: sim_walker, Travel photo 3: bigfivetours, Travel photo 4: annamatic3000, Travel photo 5: sevgi k, Travel photo 6: Rinajun, Travel photo 7: donoteathis, Travel photo 8: Lucymallowsphotos, Travel photo 9: waka
Printable Version6 Responses to The deadliest foods in the world
Leave a Reply
Harpa concert hall in Reykjavik
Harpa is a concert hall and conference center, the newest of the public buildings constructed in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The building was inaugurated with a concert in May 2011. It is an example of investment in culture, a way out of the grave economic crisis that hit the North Island. Harpa is designed [...]
Ugh these look really disgusting. Like why would I eat something that could give me hepatitis?
Because hepatitis is delicious!
Gosh…I would never do such a thing I’m to scared to eat these food because first I wouldnt want to get sick or chocke on the food and the second thing Why I don’t want to because when I think of food I think of something that I would enjoy doing not something that I would have to be brave to do it and so good job putting in the description of the food and being very specfic with it:)
… and this is where I give thanks I am not an adventurous eater!
What an interesting read! I knew about some of the deadliest foods but others on the list were quite a surprise.
It doesn’t take a great effort to make one serving of san nak ji (small raw octopus) for the fans of a ‘alternative’ food. These small octopus tentacles are cooked in olive oil with sesame seeds which are still stuck with its suckers. Tip: if you want to taste it, chew thoroughly before swallowing as choking incidents are not few.