Escolar Sushi May Have You Running to the Bathroom

Sushi Lover Ernest in California writes: “MakiMom, this is an important article for sushi lovers everywhere that is both educational but alarming…Sushi lovers need to beware of the “ex-lax Fish” being served at some sushi places, even upscale ones! Hold the “super white tuna” sushi…Literally!” Escolar is a super white tuna also known in sushi restaurants as king tuna, butterfish, or oilfish. It tastes great, but is known to cause explosive, oily orange diarrhea, hence the nickname “Ex-Lax Fish.” Some countries including Japan and Italy have banned the importation and sale of escolar, but according to at least one source the fish does not cause gastrointestinal problems if eaten in quantities of 6 ounces or less. (I won’t chance it – orange diarrhea-soaked clothes is not my idea of a fashion statement). The United States Food and Drug Administration does not ban escolar because it is non-toxic, meaning it won’t kill you. It just may cause you to lose a few pounds by accident.

Read this article forwarded by Ernest for more information on the cause of escolar’s nasty effect on the human gastric system. If you want a second opinion, click on this article. If you have ever eaten escolar, leave a comment and share your experience with your fellow sushi lovers so that we know the real deal.

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2009/11/green-around-gills

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/ingredients-seafood/use-caution-when-eating-escolar-066602

November 30th, 2009 in sushi | tags: , ,
  • Elainiac
    I ruined a perfectly good couch after eating grilled escolar! I've eaten it three times: the first time as sushi, with no problems; the second and third time I ate escolar it was a grilled portion of less than 6 oz. I think my body is developing an allergy or something because the second time I ate it I had a bit of "gastric distress" but nothing like the truly (physically and emotionally) nasty side-effects of my latest -- and last -- tryst with escolar. One ruined couch, pair of underwear and pajama-bottom later, I am trying to decide if I want to risk attending a Super Bowl party later today -- ouch!
  • jethronaude
    Furthermore, if you would like to try this fish and are in the Orange County area, please try HAVEN GASTROPUB up in orange. They are using the Escolar we sell and are have amazing reviews. The fish is a 5oz portion and people are falling in love with this fish all over again!
  • jethronaude
    Please note that there are in fact two different species of Escolar. In the fishing industry we referred to them as SMOOTH SKIN and ROUGH SKIN Escolar, the later (Rough) being the much cheaper yet problomatic fish causing the pugative problems mentioned above. It is such a pitty this fish as been all lumped together as it is an amazing eating as well as environmentally sustainable fish to consume. That being said, I urge people to give this fish a try, and it really is not necessary to even eat more than 5oz of the fish due to how rich and filling this fish is. I honestly believe this fish has earned a bad reputation for no particular reason. Eating too much of anything is going to cause you problems .... however, be sure to ask your purveyor what specie of Escolar they are serving and how was it processed. A good seafood processor would ensure to DEEP-SKIN the escolar as this would remove the high oil contact muscle tissue between the skin and flesh, drastically reducing the issues mentioned above.
  • geekynurdyguy
    I love the stuff and have never had a problem. Go figure!
  • Man, this is kind of scary. I have never had this fish, I am sure of it, but I WILL have to watch out for it.
    After reading the first article I do recall that I have had walu before. It was super tasty, fortunately I didn't eat very much of it.
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