The Aralia Genus: A Family of Contradictions
The genus Aralia is part of the ginseng family (Araliaceae), which includes hundreds of species found worldwide. However, the term “aralia” can be confusing, as it is sometimes used for unrelated plants with similar appearances, such as certain houseplants from the Polyscias genus. While some Aralia species offer culinary and medicinal benefits, others are poisonous, highlighting the importance of species-specific knowledge before consumption. Foraging for any wild plant, including aralia, should only be done by experts with 100% certainty of the plant's identity.
Edible Aralia Varieties and Their Uses
Certain Aralia species are safely edible and celebrated in various culinary traditions. The key to safe consumption is not just identifying the right species but also knowing which parts are edible and how to prepare them correctly.
Japanese Spikenard (Aralia cordata)
Known as Udo in Japan, Japanese spikenard is one of the most well-known edible aralias.
- Edible Parts: The young, tender shoots are the most commonly consumed part. Some people also eat the very young leaves and roots.
- Preparation: Shoots can be eaten raw in salads or blanched to reduce their bitter flavor. They are popular in Japanese dishes like tempura or kinpira. Peeling the outer skin and soaking can improve the taste. The shoots have a pleasant, mild flavor, sometimes described as lemony or similar to asparagus.
American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)
This native North American perennial offers several edible parts and medicinal properties.
- Edible Parts: The young shoots, roots, and ripe berries are all considered edible. The berries are small and not particularly flavorful but can be used for jellies. The roots are aromatic with a liquorice-like flavor.
- Preparation: Young shoots and leaves are typically cooked as a potherb or added to soups. The roots can be boiled for medicinal tea or used to flavor beverages like root beer.
Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata)
Another edible species with a long history in East Asian cuisine, known as taranome in Japan and dureup in Korea.
- Edible Parts: The budding shoots are the prize culinary part, often considered the “king of wild vegetables”.
- Preparation: Shoots are commonly used in tempura or blanched and served with dipping sauces.
Toxic Aralia and Look-Alikes
Confusing edible aralias with toxic ones can lead to serious health issues. Several species are poisonous, especially common ornamental and houseplant varieties.
Devil's Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa)
- Toxic Parts: All parts of this prickly tree, including raw berries and roots, are poisonous.
- Symptoms: Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation. Ingestion of raw berries can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Houseplant Aralias (Polyscias spp. and Fatsia japonica)
Many plants sold as “aralias” are actually from other genera and are toxic.
- Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia): Contains saponins that are toxic to pets and cause digestive upset and oral irritation in humans upon ingestion.
- Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia): While some parts are not toxic, the fruits can cause stomach upset.
Comparison Table: Edible vs. Toxic Aralia
| Feature | Edible Aralia (A. cordata, A. racemosa, A. elata) | Toxic Aralia (A. spinosa, Polyscias spp., Fatsia japonica) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Examples | Japanese Spikenard (Udo), American Spikenard | Devil's Walking Stick, Ming Aralia, Japanese Aralia (ornamental) | |
| Edible Parts | Young shoots, some roots and berries | None. All parts of toxic species should be avoided. | |
| Preparation Required | Often requires cooking, peeling, or blanching | Not applicable; do not ingest. | |
| Key Identification Tip | Specific characteristics like leaf shape, clusters, and habitat must be confirmed by an expert | Many are sold as houseplants and are known to be toxic to pets and humans | Aralia cordata Udo on PFAF |
Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits of Edible Aralia
Beyond their culinary appeal, edible Aralia species offer a range of traditional medicinal benefits supported by modern research.
Health-Promoting Properties:
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Some aralia compounds exhibit properties that can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Cardiovascular and Liver Support: Research indicates potential benefits for cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as liver protection.
- Adaptogenic Effects: Aralia extracts have been traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress, improve well-being, and relieve fatigue.
- Nutrient-Rich: The plant contains various amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, with the stems, roots, and leaves being good sources of protein and carbohydrates.
- Antioxidant Activity: The leaves and roots are rich in compounds with antioxidant properties.
Safety and Identification Checklist
To ensure safety, anyone considering eating aralia should follow a strict checklist:
- Confirm Species: Never assume a plant's identity. Use multiple reliable field guides to confirm the species. The term "aralia" is too generic.
- Check Plant Part: Even within an edible species, not all parts are safe. For example, some berries may be edible, while others are toxic.
- Avoid Houseplants: Do not ingest any part of a cultivated aralia houseplant, as many are toxic.
- Prepare Properly: If harvesting edible shoots, follow specific instructions like blanching or peeling to remove bitterness and ensure safety.
- Consult an Expert: Foraging should be left to those with significant experience. If in doubt, do not eat it.
Conclusion: Caution is Key
In conclusion, the question Can you eat aralia? has a complex answer. While species like Japanese spikenard (Aralia cordata) and American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) are safe and even beneficial when prepared correctly, others like Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa) and many common houseplants sold as "aralias" are poisonous. The golden rule is clear: identification is paramount. Never consume a plant based on a generic name. By understanding the specific, documented edible species and their safe parts, you can enjoy the unique flavors and potential health benefits of this plant family while avoiding significant risks.
