
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It has been reported and confirmed that while in China to negotiate with high level officials, United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen dined on controversial Jian shou ging mushrooms – which are variously reported to be delicious, poisonous … and psychedelic. ; She savored the fungi at the Yi Shou/Yi Wang (In and Out) restaurant – not to be confused with the American fast-food eatery.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We can assume that they were delicious – for those who like mushrooms &#8212; since Yellen dined on four orders of the delicacy. ; As to their being considered poisonous, Professor Peter Mortimer, of the Kunming Institute of Botany, says the mushrooms “are considered poisonous as they can be hallucinogenic.” ; </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">They are sufficiently toxic to be on the Botanical Society of Yunnan’s index of poisonous mushrooms – again because of the possible psychedelic effect. ; Mortimer said that he had “a friend who mistakenly ate them and hallucinated for three days.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to experts, the toxic or psychedelic nature of the mushrooms are not a problem … if they are prepared “properly.” ; I did not find any of the news reports indicating the “proper” way to prepare the jian Shou ging mushroom.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mushrooms and other fungi are very popular menu items in the Middle Kingdom. ; In fact, China features many restaurants that have nothing but mushroom and fungus dishes on the menu. ; I know that because, as a mushroom lover, I have been to several of them. ; I cannot say that I have had the jian shou ging mushroom – and cannot say I have not. ; I have eaten a very wide variety of mushrooms on the menus, but without any adverse results.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The stories I found in my research omitted a rather significant point. ; Was Yellen aware of the reputation of the jian shou ging ‘shroom when she ordered them? ; Was she taking a risk? ; Or looking for a high?</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The restaurant owners describe Yellen’s visit as a “magical moment” – whatever that is supposed to mean. ; They further honored her by adding her name to the menu. ; It was not clear if the controversial ‘srhooms are now known as the Yellen jian shou ging or it was some other item on the menu. ; ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If I should ever get back to Beijing, I will be scoping out the Ye Shou/Yi Wang restaurant for an order of jian shou ging mushrooms. ; No, I will not be looking for a psychedelic “dessert.” ; I will assume the restaurant will prepare them “properly.” ; But I will take along a designated driver, just in case.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">You will notice that I did not take any cheap shots tying Yellen’s dining on the mushroom to any criticism of her performance in China. ; That is because her failure to achieve anything for America has nothing to do with her gourmet food choice.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, there ‘tis.</p>

Yellen Feasts on Psychedelic ‘Shrooms in China
