Is it Edible?
Since some parts of plants are poisonous, we learn to only eat the familiar parts of familiar plants. Unfortunately, this means that we get into habits of food preparation that waste food and leave our diets fiber deficient.
Many plants are completely edible, but the leaves, stems and roots have different flavors and textures, so we get into the habit of throwing away edible food.
This is not to say that you should eat it first and see how you feel later! Many people believed that tomatoes were poisonous, when it was likely that they were eating deadly nightshade instead. Both are in the same plant family and many members of the nightshade plant family have poisonous parts. The nightshade family, or Solanaceae family contains solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison, in varying levels of any or all of its parts. Tomato or potato leaves might make you feel sick, but the lovely deadly nightshade can be fatal if any part of it is ingested. This is because it has other powerful compounds in addition to solanine. We have learned “safe” habits, but we should re-examine some of them more closely.
Strawberry
Strawberry hulls are completely edible. If you are serving a dessert, the hull texture would be an unpleasant contrast to the fruit. However, if you drink a green juice or smoothie in the morning, consider leaving the tops on when you toss them into the blender. It is faster to prepare, adds nutrients and fiber, why not give it a whirl?
If you don’t like the strawberry tops, you can cut off the tops for your dog, they will love you for it!
You can check with the EPA to find resources in your area that will accept compost with food scraps. In Eugene you can add food scraps to your yard debris collection bin. If you are donating food scraps it is best to keep them in your freezer until collection day.
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes and potatoes are often served with the skins removed. This is okay if that is your choice, but do you think about it? If you are buying organic, consider eating the peel. I have taught myself to cut the edge pieces for fries and the center portion for mashing or casseroles.
Cucumber
Do you peel your cucumber? Do you do that because the peel is bitter? Often the peel isn't bitter and could be left on and eaten with the cucumber. Cut one end off at a time and rub the cut surface of the cucumber together for at least 45 seconds. If you don’t see any “foam” appear then repeat the process with the other end.
If you see “foam” keep rubbing the surfaces together until it stops forming and then rinse the cucumber well. This bitter foam is cucurbitacin, the cucumber's natural defense from insects and animals that would eat it. Many growing conditions can impact a cucumber's bitterness, but give it a taste before you decide to peel it.
Turnips
Turnips and beets are completely edible, but the leafy tops quickly wilt so we don’t see them “whole” at the grocery store very often. If you remove the leaves from the stem and the root, they will last much longer. The root will store well, the stems can be used for vegetable stock or “green juice” and the greens can be used for stir fry or steamed. If you prepare them before you put them in the fridge, you can eat more and throw away less.
Try relearning a new habit every week when you do your food preparation. I still do this when I try a new fruit or vegetable! I look online and find reputable sources that explain how to know when it is ripe, what parts are edible and preparation tips. Consider subscribing to the Food Hero monthly journal from Oregon State University Extension Service, it is a great resource!
