The cherished local delicacy, known as the jian shou qing mushroom, is not psychoactive when fully cooked but is sufficiently poisonous when improperly prepared that it was included in the Botanical Society of Yunnan’s index of poisonous mushrooms last year, sparking debate over whether it should be kept on the menu. However, its widespread acceptance ensures its survival.

This post originally appeared on WayneDupree.com.