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Post by Jonah on Mar 14, 2010 18:51:02 GMT
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Post by Rosefriend on Mar 15, 2010 6:54:09 GMT
I don't know much about it Jonah but most plants have natural chemicals that the plant needs just to grow...such as sugar, proteins and vitamins etc.
Plants also have toxins which they use to ward off attacks from insects or weather problems for example.
The bottom line as far as I have understood it is it depends on how sensitive a person is to these toxins. If a person is known to be sensitive/allergic to a lot of things it might be sensible to read up about them and see if there is anything that one should be careful of.
I do know that Parsnips produce a toxin which helps to protect the plant as do Potatoes (always make sure any green bit's are cut out well), Kidney beans are renown and shouldn't be eaten raw as they contain lectins - tinned beans are fine. Rhubarb leaves are also on the list - they can cause stomach problems etc. Beans shouldn't be eaten raw...
Here in Germany it is always recommended to peel sweet peppers due to the solanine in them and it is better for the stomach - however I think that you would have to eat pounds of them before experiencing problems.
I would think that normal hygiene and common sense in handling fresh food would go a long way to overcoming some of these problems - i.e. washing and cooking food properly.
I have to admit that when you think where flies have been before they land on your fruit and veg though.....it sort of takes the joy out of eating a freshly picked tomato or an apple....
RF
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Post by Missredhead on Mar 15, 2010 12:33:56 GMT
I have to admit that when you think where flies have been before they land on your fruit and veg though.....it sort of takes the joy out of eating a freshly picked tomato or an apple.... RF Ugh RF....I never thought of it that way before  |
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Post by Jonah on Mar 15, 2010 12:58:08 GMT
Crikey RF, I googled Solanine and it sounded very scary!  I suppose I never thought much about natural toxins in supposedly poison free plants. My youngest loves raw peppers, but I suppose the amounts she eats are below the danger levels? I hope so! MRH, the fly thing reminds me of blackberry picking last year. It was very off putting seeing great big shiny bluebottles sitting on the best of the fruit. We also decided not to pick anything low down. There's a lot of dogs get walked round these parts.......  |
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Post by Rosefriend on Mar 15, 2010 17:01:12 GMT
I think that your youngest would have to eat pounds of peppers before anything (if) happened, Jonah.
The fox worm isn't in the UK yet and I hope it never arrives but it is always better not to pick berries low down. I actually only pick things that are over about 2 - 3 feet.
Germany is very into organic gardening, toxins, alternative medicine and and and.. I can't say that I get into a tizzy about things but it has made me more aware, I suppose.
RF
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I suppose I never thought much about natural toxins in supposedly poison free plants. My youngest loves raw peppers, but I suppose the amounts she eats are below the danger levels? I hope so! 