The Sometimes Edible: Pokeweed

Pokeweed is one of those edible that you may try for the first time with a bit of anxiety. I did, at least. Here in my part of Georgia, you'll hear a lot of different opinions on what parts are edible on this plant, when you can eat it, how toxic the toxic parts really are, and how to prepare it safely. I mean, A LOT of different opinions. My wife's family are north mountain folks and have been for generations. They eat the stuff along with a lot of other cultivated vegetables that you don't see in any chain grocery store.

Before I tried it, I spent a good bit of time reading what I felt were authoritative sources. Among those sources, the most prominent and thorough was by Green Deane at EatTheWeeds. His site is always my first stop when I am curious about trying a new one, and if you aren't familiar with it, be sure to check it out. Honestly, if I were to write much more here about my "knowledge" about pokeweed, it would just be a regurgitation of his writing on the plant.

Edibles like pokeweed make me nervous as an amateur because of the list of "rules" that come along with it. If you're just a hobbyist, and you are looking to expand your experience foraging, then chances are good you will be able to cross-reference your plant with reputable websites and books, maybe even look it up on your phone. You have available a good list of steps to follow to ensure that you don't eat the wrong part or skip a step in preparation. But as a "survival" food? I'd prefer the simple, never-toxic type plants that you don't have to obsess over the preparation and run the risk of making yourself seriously sick due to toxins.You'll see this plant coming up right now here in the southeast, and once you start looking for it, you'll see it all over roadsides, fence-lines, and undeveloped spaces.