What Part of a Vegetable Can’t You Eat?
Vegetables are an important part of our diet, so it’s important to know what part you can and can’t eat. While some vegetable consumables might surprise you, there are certain parts of vegetables that you should avoid.
Leaves and Stems
Leaves and stems of vegetables are generally not suitable for consumption. This includes the leaves and stems of vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. These parts usually have a tough texture, and therefore can be difficult to digest.
Roots
Most root vegetables are edible, however there are a few exceptions. These are typically plants from which the edible parts absorb toxins from the soil. Therefore, certain poisonous root vegetables include:
- Hemlock: this is an extremely toxic plant, found mostly in North America and Europe.
- Nightshade: this is also a poisonous plant, found in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
- Death Camas: this plant is found in North and South America, and usually produces a bitter taste.
Leaves and Flowers
Certain vegetable leaves and flowers, such as cabbage and onion, should not be eaten. These parts of the plant are usually bitter and can have a detrimental effect on your health. Additionally, some flowers can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.
Fruit
While most fruit is edible and can be eaten, there are a few exceptions. These are usually fruits from plants that are poisonous, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. The poisonous parts of these fruits include the leaves, stems, flowers, and unripe fruits.
In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of what part of a vegetable you can and cannot eat. Certain parts of vegetables can be difficult to digest, or even poisonous. Always take the time to research a vegetable before consuming it, to ensure you are not eating something harmful.
