Ever had a meal so delicious you just couldn’t stop yourself? Maybe it was that perfectly seared steak, or an endless bowl of pasta. But what if I told you there’s a fish out there so notoriously good, yet if you overindulge, it comes with a literally slippery and quite unforgettable consequence? No, I’m not talking about food poisoning. I’m talking about something far more… unique.
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating, and slightly alarming, world of the Escolar fish. You might have seen it on a menu, perhaps even enjoyed its rich, buttery taste. It’s often served as “white tuna” or “butterfish” (which is a whole other story of mislabeling!), prized for its firm texture and high fat content. But here’s the catch: that delicious fat isn’t your typical healthy omega-3. Oh no.
The Escolar (part of the Gempylidae family, if you’re curious) is packed with something called wax esters. Unlike the digestible triglycerides found in most fish, our bodies simply can’t break down these wax esters. So, what happens when you eat something your body can’t process? Well, let’s just say it finds the quickest exit route. This leads to a rather peculiar condition known as keriorrhea.
Keriorrhea, in plain English, is a type of diarrhea characterized by orange or oily discharge. Yes, you read that right. Oily. It’s often described as an “anal leakage” that you might not even feel until it’s too late. It’s not painful or dangerous, thankfully, but it is incredibly inconvenient and, frankly, quite embarrassing. Imagine that! A delicious meal leading to an unexpected, oily surprise.
So, how much Escolar is too much? There’s no hard and fast rule, as everyone’s digestive system is different. But generally, a small portion – say, 6 ounces or less – is usually fine for most people. The problem often arises when people mistake it for tuna and eat a full-sized steak portion, or if it’s served raw in sushi where its oil content is even more potent. It’s a classic case of “a little goes a long way.”
While it sounds alarming, keriorrhea from Escolar is generally harmless and self-limiting. It usually resolves within 24-48 hours once the wax esters have passed through your system. It’s more of a public health nuisance than a medical emergency, which is why some countries have even banned or restricted the sale of Escolar. Talk about a fish with a reputation!
If you’re adventurous enough to try Escolar (or if you already love it and just learned this fun fact), here are a few tips to avoid an unscheduled, slippery adventure:
- Portion Control is Key: Start with a very small serving. Seriously, don’t go for seconds.
- Ask Questions: If a menu item is listed vaguely as “white tuna” or “butterfish,” ask your server if it’s Escolar.
- Cooking Matters: Grilling or baking can sometimes render out some of the oils, but it’s not a foolproof solution.
The Escolar is a truly unique creature of the deep, offering a delicious culinary experience with a built-in, albeit inconvenient, portion control mechanism. It’s a fantastic reminder that even in the world of food, there are always surprising facts and unexpected consequences lurking beneath the surface. So, next time you’re contemplating that “butterfish,” remember its oily secret – and maybe just order a small appetizer!
Have you ever had an unexpected encounter with Escolar? Share your slippery stories in the comments below!