Survival Tip #133

Testing Plants

Yesterday I said you should never eat something you don’t know for certain is safe. Well once upon a time nothing was known to be safe, and sooner or later you will have to make that determination. This tip is no substitution for being lazy. Do your research now on the plants in your area, so you don’t have to waste time and risk life later.

However, if you were lazy, or are in a new location and don’t know all the local plants this tip will give you a way to test plants for edibility. So, lets say you’ve never seen this beautiful red berry featured in my picture, and you and your group come across it on your travels.

Hold the berry in the palm of your hand for ten minutes. If no burning, itching, or rash, hold to your cheek for ten minutes. If no burning, itching, or rash, hold to your lips for ten minutes. If no burning, itching, or rash, hold in your mouth for ten minutes(Do not chew). If no burning, itching, or rash, chew for ten minutes(Do not swallow). If no burning, itching, or rash, eat a small portion and wait ten minutes. If no bad reaction, eat a little more, wait ten minutes. Repeat.

If there are no adverse reactions after you have completed this process the plan is safe to eat. If you encounter an harmful reaction at any stage, do not continue.