Is Pokeweed Edible?

9/15/2019

The point of the article is to destroy the lies of passed down talk and banter. I love Samuel Thayer who in all truth hits people right in the face with reality as he states saying, "There is no dichotomy between toxic and edible. All vegetables, wild or domestic, contain toxins, and every day, you ingest many different chemicals that your body must process and remove. Potatoes contain solanine and many allied toxic alkaloids, and have caused fatal poisonings."

Indeed all plants have something that is has which is not edible so the question I ask are pokeberries edible? Thayers says in his book page 276 "Most sources list them as toxic. There are reports of people vomiting or feeling ill after eating them. There are even a few claims in the literature of children being fatally poisoned by them, but I have been unable to substantiate this. In one documented case, a Scout group made pancakes with pokeberries in the batter, and the worst symptom was a mild diarrhea. (Edward and Rogers 1982). Some sources claim that the toxin has little effect on adults or older children, but is extremely toxic to infants and toddlers (Frohne and Pfander 2005). This claim, too, I have been unabler to trace to any meaningful source. It is often stated that the berries are toxic raw but not cooked. There are people alive today who make and consume pie, jelly, or juice from pokeberries. I personally know some of these people. They emphasized to me that the seeds are the toxic part, and should be removed and not broken in the processing."

Even the Audubon Society quotes saying in page 678 "The berry sap was used as a dye by the early colonists and has also been used to color cheap wine." So indeed the berries are not diabolically toxic if used properly so in truth what has happened over the years? Well we have gone from knowing and passing down that knowledge to becoming ignorant and speaking our lack of knowledge all over. Think about it? honey is toxic to infants and toddlers but not adults and older children but then again knowledge is indeed very powerful if you know what your doing and do what is right and safe.

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Avi Ben Shalom:

When I was a young boy, I would gaze at my father with joy, to both learn from him, and become like him. He was indeed a real woodsman going out even for a whole month alone just to be in the wilderness. My fondest memories are of his taking me out into the woods all the time. When he died when I was eight, I had to learn that my life was going to continue being a it once was. Its hard when you have no one to teach you and you are forced to struggle and learn life skills alone. You begin to really feel the void of not having that mentor, that teacher you admire so much, one to lean on. But, I thank God for picking up the place where my father no longer could for truly its His guidance and wisdom and help that made me the Marine I became, the husband and father I am, and continue to seek to mature and grow better at being. As for me learning in such a difficult way I have sincerely seen how important it is to get help and guidance. And for this reason, I have made it my personal ambition to share what I have learned to help others who lack. I want to give what I have received to others because I know that wilderness knowledge, and bushcraft skills are not something any should ever feel they have to pay hundreds of dollars for just to learn those skills. I don't believe any person should be owing to anyone when it comes to the things pertaining to living and survival.

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3/12/2024 12:18:47 am

This article on whether pokeberries are edible is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. It challenges common misconceptions and encourages readers to seek out the truth behind what they've been told. The inclusion of quotes from experts like Samuel Thayer and the Audubon Society adds credibility to the discussion, helping readers understand that the issue is more nuanced than simply labeling pokeberries as toxic. By presenting various perspectives and research findings, the article empowers readers to make informed decisions about foraging and consuming wild plants. Overall, this article has deepened my understanding of the complexities surrounding edible plants and the importance of questioning conventional wisdom.

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5/8/2024 11:07:08 pm

This article sheds light on an important aspect of foraging and wild food consumption: the balance between caution and knowledge. It's inspiring to see the author challenge misconceptions and encourage a deeper understanding of the plants around us. By delving into the complexities of whether pokeberries are edible, the article not only provides valuable information but also prompts readers to reconsider inherited beliefs and seek out the truth. It serves as a reminder of the importance of informed decision-making and the power of knowledge in navigating the natural world safely. Keep up the great work in debunking myths and promoting responsible exploration of wild foods!

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