Good berries vs. bad berries

trader · 07-05-2010, 09:10 AM

I know that you can forage on leaves and bugs if you're in a bind outdoors, but what about berries? Is there a way to tell by sight which one are poisonous and which one's aren't?

jason · 07-05-2010, 12:07 PM

I would only eat the ones I know already. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, etc.. If I do not know it, I will not eat it. If you camp in a certain area, I would try and learn the edible plants in that area.

northernbushape · 07-05-2010, 01:28 PM

I agree with Jason - pick up a plant species book for your area and study it well.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid berries that are white, yellow, or red. This does not mean that any other color is safe, but these are generally bad for you. Also avoid those that smell like almonds or peaches as they most likely contain trace amounts of cyanide. If you even "think" you smell almonds avoid it like the plague!

There are other tests you can do that require a full 24 hours to determine if the plant is poisonous, but best to stick with what you know for sure. A bit much to write it all out here, but a search of Google for plant edibility test will get you tons of information.

When in doubt you can always eat some fresh pine sprouts from the branch ends. They are loaded with vitamin C and D and other goodies. They will keep you alive for a bit for sure. I eat pine regularly when I am out hiking and what not. I just kinda graze them as I hike.

I also avoid berries that are in or near city limits as they will undoubtedly contain pesticides and other toxins from the environment. I won't eat a "city pine" for the same reason. Nasty stuff.

PoisonIvy · 07-05-2010, 05:33 PM

Now that is something new... pine sprouts. I did not know that one can much on it if necessary to survive. Thank you for that interesting piece of knowledge.

Bradsalex · 07-05-2010, 11:05 PM

As NBA mentioned, it is always good practice to check the internet and other resources for the area where you will be adventuring. If you suspect there may be a possibility of getting stranded or you just want to try it out then you should always go prepared.

Knowledge is power, if you have to knowledge to live, you have the power to survive.