Escolar Ayce

Escolar: The Oily Fish You Should Avoid

As a food columnist, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting culinary experiences. But when I heard about escolar, a fish that's been popping up on all-you-can-eat (AYCE) menus in the USA, I was intrigued.

Escolar, also known as snake mackerel or butterfish, is a deep-sea fish found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It's a fatty fish with a mild flavor and a buttery texture.

Why You Should Avoid Escolar

While escolar may seem like a delicious and affordable option at AYCE restaurants, there's a catch: it's not good for you. Escolar contains high levels of a fatty acid called gempylotoxin. This toxin can cause a condition called keriorrhea, which is characterized by severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Symptoms of keriorrhea typically occur within 30 minutes to 3 hours after eating escolar. They can last for up to 72 hours and can be extremely uncomfortable. In some cases, keriorrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

How to Avoid Escolar

The best way to avoid escolar is to simply not eat it. However, this can be difficult, as escolar is often mislabeled as other fish, such as tuna or swordfish.

If you're unsure whether a fish is escolar, there are a few things you can look for:

If you're concerned that you may have eaten escolar, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Escolar is a fish that should be avoided due to its high levels of gempylotoxin. This toxin can cause a condition called keriorrhea, which is characterized by severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. If you're unsure whether a fish is escolar, it's best to err on the side of caution and not eat it.