1. Never attempt to use or eat any plant, seed, berry, root or bark that you are not 100% certain you can identify unless you are in a survival situation. Carry a good field guide with you.
2. If you are eating something for the first time:
*Do not pick plants closer then 50 feet from busy roadsides, near polluted water, on the edges of pesticide sprayed or herbicide sprayed farm fields, or or near dumpsites. (Isn't it amazing that all good books on foraging strongly suggest NOT eating wild edibles near farm fields that are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides but we all eat the vegetables grown IN those fields?)
- Smell plant, seed, berry, bark or root. The smell should be pleasant. Stay away from "bitter almond" smell.
- Break of a small amount of leaf, root or berry. Rub on the inside of your wrist. Wait at least 20 minutes. 1-2 hours is better! If a rash or redness appears - DO NOT go to next step.
- Crush a small amount and place it on your lip. DO NOT lick your lips. Wait at least 20 minutes. Again, 1-2 hours is better. If there is an urge to gag, swelling, itching or any other irritation - DO NOT go to next step.
- Place a SMALL amount on your tongue. DO NOT swallow saliva! If urge to gag, burning, excessive salivating, or any other unpleasant reaction occurs, spit out sample IMMEDIATELY - DO NOT go to next step. Wait 20 minutes or longer.
- Cook small amount of tested plant in water. Eat small amount. Wait several hours. If no side effects occur you may eat and enjoy.
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