Blowfish Ovaries Pickled in Rice-bran Paste

How are they made?

Production process

"Blowfish ovaries pickled in rice bran" is a traditional delicacy produced in Ishikawa Prefecture. The fact that the deadly poison contained in blowfish ovaries is removed through the pickling process makes this food unique in the world. The production process, which takes three whole years, is outlined below.

1: Removal of the ovaries	2: Pickling in salt	3: Removal of salt
4: Pickling in rice-bran paste	5: Pouring of fish sauce	6: Changing the positions of the barrels
7: End of pickling	8: Inspection and shipment

• What are blowfish ovaries pickled in rice-bran paste?
• How are they made?
• How can the poison be removed?

* Only qualified people who have authorization from the prefecture are allowed to process blowfish, and they must do so in accordance with Ishikawa Prefecture’s “Regulations for the Handling of Blowfish” in an authorized facility that meets set standards.
Moreover, blowfish ovaries pickled in rice-bran paste are only sold after having been checked for safety through a toxicity inspection, and other tests.
Blowfish contain dangerous poison, so never try to prepare this food yourself.