[serf]

because it's a unique taste , a unique method, and a cultural significance for some people -- no one is forcing you to eat it.

Why would anyone eat fugu or collect wild mushrooms?

It's fun and interesting. That's why. Danger be damned.

[Alex3917]

> Why would anyone eat fugu or collect wild mushrooms?

I can't speak to fugu, but collecting wild mushrooms is statistically one of the safest hobbies in existence.

[nimish]

It's the eating that's the real challenge

[hansvm]

The danger is part of the appeal. When somebody gives you a mushroom called "the sickener," which is apparently edible with an appropriate combination of brining, fermentation, soaking, rinsing, and boiling, it's a little hard to resist the temptation to prove everyone else wrong and turn it into a tasty treat.

[msrenee]

Brings fugu to mind. I wish I could get a scientific answer to whether there's actually a high associated with it or if that's just in people's heads.