Here are Several Commonly Consumed Plants You Might Not Realize Are Poisonous!
A fantastic method to minimize waste is by consuming the entirety of produce, from root to stem! Often, nutritious and delicious parts of plants are discarded simply because people overlook their edible potential. However, before diving into utilizing all discarded stems, roots, and seeds in your kitchen, it’s important to understand that there are instances where these parts are not suitable for consumption, sometimes due to safety reasons. While beetroot, spinach, and carrot leaves and stems offer great benefits, there are certain plants whose roots and stems can pose health risks, and in extreme cases, even be fatal. Interested in learning which roots and stems of plants could be harmful? Here are some discarded produce parts that are better off in the compost bin.
Asparagus berry
These berries, often found on bushes and beloved by children, may surprise you with their toxicity. They contain sapogenins, which can induce illness. These compounds act as toxins for humans and are also poisonous to animals. Consumption of these berries can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Interestingly, from a botanical perspective, what we commonly refer to as asparagus “berries” aren’t true berries at all; they’re actually seed pods, each containing 3 or 4 seeds. This is how the asparagus plant reproduces naturally. If you encounter these red berries, it’s advisable to pick them and allow them to dry naturally in the sun.
Green potatoes
Potatoes are members of the nightshade family, which contains plants that store the toxic compound solanine. Improper storage or exposure to light can cause potatoes to turn green due to chlorophyll formation. Interestingly, this green color, typical in most green plants, serves as a warning sign indicating potentially elevated levels of harmful toxins called glycoalkaloids, which can be detrimental to human health.
Tomato leaves
Tomatoes, like potatoes, are members of the same family, which raises concerns about their suitability for consumption. In fact, for over 200 years in Europe, tomatoes were feared due to potential health risks. Tomato leaves contain solanine and tomatine, compounds that can lead to stomach discomfort if ingested. The anatomy of tomato leaves is characterized by compound leaves, composed of leaflets arranged along the compound leaf rachis. While the petiole connects the entire compound leaf to the stem, the leaflets are attached to the rachis of the compound leaf by petiolules.
Leaves and blossoms of eggplant
Brinjal, also known as eggplant or Solanum melongena, is a nightshade plant. However, its leaves and flowers can pose health risks. They contain solanine, a toxic compound that may lead to stomach issues and headaches if consumed. Brinjal belongs to the Solanaceae family, sharing lineage with tomatoes. Its branching stem bears long, flat, green leaves with coarse lobes arranged alternately. This tropical, herbaceous perennial is typically grown as an annual in temperate regions due to its sensitivity to cold. The stem often features spines, while the flowers range from purple to white, boasting a five-lobed corolla and yellow stamens.