» Wild Plant Ediblity

The most natural

Test only 1 part of a plant at a time.
Separate the plant into its basic components (stems, roots, buds, and flowers).
Smell the food for strong acid odors. Remember, smell alone does not indicate a plant is edible or inedible.
DO NOT eat 8 hours before the test and drink only purified water.
During the 8 hours you abstain from eating, test for contact poisoning by placing a piece of the plant on the inside of your elbow or wrist. The sap or juice should contact the skin. Usually 15 minutes is enough time to allow for a reaction.
During testing, take NOTHING by mouth EXCEPT purified water and the plant you are testing.
Select a small portion of a single part and prepare it the way you plan to eat it.
Before placing the prepared plant in your mouth, touch a small portion (a pinch) to the outer surface of your lip to test for burning or itching.
If after 3 minutes there is no reaction on your lip, place the plant on your tongue and hold it for 15 minutes.
If there is no reaction, thoroughly chew a pinch and hold it in your mouth for 15 minutes (DO NOT SWALLOW). If any ill effects occur, rinse out your mouth with water.
If nothing abnormal occurs, swallow the food and wait 8 hours. If any ill effects occur during this period, induce vomiting and drink a water and charcoal mixture.
If no ill effects occur, eat ¼ cup of the same plant prepared the same way. Wait another 8 hours. If no ill effects occur, the plant part as prepared is safe for eating.

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