Universal Edibility Test

The US Army developed a process to determine if a plant, berry, etc. is edible. This should only be used in an emergency. Additionally, the process takes considerable time - approximately 24 hours to complete.

1. Fast for 8 hours before beginning the test to help eliminate false results or interactions with other foods, etc.
2. Separate the plant into its various parts - roots, stems, leaves, buds, flowers, and fruit. Focus on only one piece of the plant at a time.
3. Smell it. A strong, unpleasant odor is a bad sign, as is a musty or rotting odor. Keep a special lookout for pear- or almond-like scents, which can be evidence of cyanide.
4. Test for contact poisoning by placing a piece of the plant on your inner elbow or wrist for 8 hours. If your skin burns, itches, feels numb, or breaks out in a rash, wash off your skin and don’t eat the plant.
5. If the plant passes the skin test, prepare a small portion the way you plan to eat it (boiling is always a good bet).
6. Before taking a bite, touch the plant to your lips to test for burning or itching. If there’s no reaction after 15 minutes, take a small bite, chew it, and hold it in your mouth for 15 minutes. If the plant tastes very bitter or soapy, spit it out and wash out your mouth.
7. If there’s no reaction in your mouth, swallow the bite and wait 8 hours. If there’s no ill effect, you can assume this part of the plant is edible. Repeat the test for other parts of the plant; some plants have both edible and inedible parts. Starting to feel sick? Time to bring it up.

Note: This information is NOT to be considered medical advice. Do your research and consult experts prior to eating any unknown plant.