Trail Nibbles - How Do I Know What Wild Plants Are Safe to Eat?

It's only a matter of time before all the baby spring greens will be available for wild salad. But how do you know what's safe to put in your mouth? Here are a few steps to guide the inquisitive naturalist when exploring the plant world.

Before you set out, understand the basic parts of a plant - root, stem, leaves, buds, flowers, fruit and seed.

Day hikes are a good time to explore and learn, since you are close to help if you have a reaction. I've spent years roaming Forest and over time I learned what to do to minimize the risk.

As someone prone to allergic reactions, I do not think that the issue be taken lightly.

If, on the run, the study of the plant. It has a strong smell? What kind of smell?

Do you have a reaction to the plant when you tap? What happens when you're on the wrist? If you do not have a skin reaction in 15-20 minutes, you're probably right, but I have had skin reactions after one hour.

Decide which part of the planttry to do, prepare as you want to eat, and do some 'outside of your lip.

If you do not have burning or itching after 5-15 minutes, rather than a bit 'as the language. I can not do anything in the mouth for 15 minutes if you want to be careful, hold in mouth for a short period and then spit. Wait to see if you have a reaction.

Once the food is on my tongue for a few seconds, go ahead and chew. I immediately spit if I do not meanswallow.

By the time I've explored the food this far I know if I want to ingest it.

One important cautionary note. Even with cultivated plants, some parts of the same plant are edible, while others are not. Ever wonder why tomato leaves are not sold?

It is very important to repeat the above process with each and every part of the plant. Don't assume anything.

Finally, many wild foods are turning up in stores. Fiddlehead ferns are an example of a perfectly edible food that causes an allergic reaction in some people.

If you know someone who is an expert, that's a bonus. Nothing beats a wild gathering trek with a knowledgeable guide. However, even if you're exploring solo, you will soon develop a sense of what you do and do not want to put in your mouth.