There are few places in the world where you will be far from some kind of vegetation—bush, vine, creeper, flower, grass or lichen—which can be eaten to provide nourishment. In Europe alone there are 10,000 edible wild plants. The only skill required in making use of them is knowing which is which and where to find them. Some, though edible, have very little food value, so learn which yield the most nourishment, especially those which are widespread and available throughout the year—and learn which are poisonous, in order to avoid them.
Plants contain essential vitamins and minerals, and are richin protein and carbohydrates. Some plants also contain fat and all provide roughage essential to keep the body in goo d working order.
Do NOT eat large quantities of any one plant at a time and if you are not used to eating a plant start by nibbling a fresh specimen and adding some to stews, and build up your intake gradually. If you give your stomach a chance to get used to a new food it will adjust and not reject it.
Do NOT assume that because birds, mammals or insects have eaten a plant that it is edible by humans. Monkeys aresome indication, but no guarantee, that plants are suitable for human consumption.
Do NOT eat large quantities of any one plant at a time and if you are not used to eating a plant start by nibbling a fresh specimen and adding some to stews, and build up your intake gradually. If you give your stomach a chance to get used to a new food it will adjust and not reject it.
Do NOT assume that because birds, mammals or insects have eaten a plant that it is edible by humans. Monkeys aresome indication, but no guarantee, that plants are suitable for human consumption.
TESTING NEW PLANTS
Always adopt the following procedure when trying out potential new food plants, only one person testing each plant. NEVER take short cuts—complete the whole test. If in any doubt, do NOT eat the plant. Should stomach trouble occur, relief can be gained by drinking plenty of hot water; do not
eat again until the pain goes. If it is severe, induce vomiting by tickling the back of the throat. Charcoal is a useful emetic. Swallowing some will induce vomiting and the charcoal may
also absorb the poison. White wood ash mixed to a paste with water will relieve stomach pain.
Inspect
Try to identify. Ensure that a plant is not slimy or wormeaten. It will be past its best, with little food value other than the grubs or worms upon it. Some plants, when old, change their chemical content and become toxic.
Smell
Crush a small portion. If it smells of bitter almonds or peaches—DISCARD.
Skin Irritation
Rub slightly or squeeze some of the juice onto a tender part of the body (under the arm between armpit and elbow, for instance). If any discomfort, rash or swelling is experienced DISCARD, reject in future.
Lips, Tongue, Mouth
If there is no irritation to the skin proceed in the following stages, going on to the next only after waiting five seconds to check that there is no unpleasant reaction:
-Place a small portion on the lips
-Place a small portion in the corner of the mouth
-Place a small portion on the tip of the tongue
-Place a small portion under the tongue
-Chew a small portion
In all cases: if any discomfort is felt, such as soreness to the throat, irritation or stinging or burning sensations— DISCARD, reject in future.
Swallow
Swallow a small amount and WAIT FIVE HOURS. During this period eat or drink NOTHING else.
Eating If no reactions such as soreness to the mouth, repeated belching, nausea, sickness, stomach pains, griping pains in the lower abdomen or any other distressing symptoms are experienced, you may consider the plant safe.
Always adopt the following procedure when trying out potential new food plants, only one person testing each plant. NEVER take short cuts—complete the whole test. If in any doubt, do NOT eat the plant. Should stomach trouble occur, relief can be gained by drinking plenty of hot water; do not
eat again until the pain goes. If it is severe, induce vomiting by tickling the back of the throat. Charcoal is a useful emetic. Swallowing some will induce vomiting and the charcoal may
also absorb the poison. White wood ash mixed to a paste with water will relieve stomach pain.
Inspect
Try to identify. Ensure that a plant is not slimy or wormeaten. It will be past its best, with little food value other than the grubs or worms upon it. Some plants, when old, change their chemical content and become toxic.
Smell
Crush a small portion. If it smells of bitter almonds or peaches—DISCARD.
Skin Irritation
Rub slightly or squeeze some of the juice onto a tender part of the body (under the arm between armpit and elbow, for instance). If any discomfort, rash or swelling is experienced DISCARD, reject in future.
Lips, Tongue, Mouth
If there is no irritation to the skin proceed in the following stages, going on to the next only after waiting five seconds to check that there is no unpleasant reaction:
-Place a small portion on the lips
-Place a small portion in the corner of the mouth
-Place a small portion on the tip of the tongue
-Place a small portion under the tongue
-Chew a small portion
In all cases: if any discomfort is felt, such as soreness to the throat, irritation or stinging or burning sensations— DISCARD, reject in future.
Swallow
Swallow a small amount and WAIT FIVE HOURS. During this period eat or drink NOTHING else.
Eating If no reactions such as soreness to the mouth, repeated belching, nausea, sickness, stomach pains, griping pains in the lower abdomen or any other distressing symptoms are experienced, you may consider the plant safe.
More complete article download here : sas survival guide book
1 comment:
thanks
Post a Comment