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Tag: Lathyrus odoratus

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What Sweet Peas Are Edible? Separating Safe Varieties from Toxic Lookalikes

5 min read
Despite their appealing name, the fragrant, flowering sweet peas of the *Lathyrus odoratus* variety are poisonous and not meant for consumption. Only specific types of garden peas (*Pisum sativum*), often colloquially referred to as sweet peas, are safely edible, making it crucial to understand the botanical distinction before you harvest.

Can humans have sweet peas? The definitive safety guide

4 min read
According to horticultural experts, ornamental sweet peas (*Lathyrus odoratus*) are considered toxic and their seeds should never be consumed. This is a critical distinction, as many people confuse them with edible garden peas. Can humans have sweet peas? The answer is a definitive no, with serious health risks associated with ingestion.

Do sweet peas have any nutritional value?

4 min read
Despite their alluring fragrance, the ornamental sweet peas planted in gardens are toxic and not meant for consumption. This crucial distinction is often confused with edible varieties like garden peas, leading to potential health risks for humans and pets.

Can You Eat the Peas from a Sweet Pea Flower Plant? (Warning)

4 min read
Over 200 varieties of sweet pea exist, but contrary to their name, the seeds of the ornamental sweet pea plant are toxic and should never be consumed. While beautiful and fragrant, the pods and seeds from *Lathyrus odoratus* contain a poisonous chemical that can cause a serious condition called lathyrism if ingested over time.

Can You Eat Sweet Pea Shells? A Crucial Guide

3 min read
According to gardening experts, the vibrant, fragrant sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) that produces beautiful flowers is not for consumption. The critical question, "Can you eat sweet pea shells?" demands a serious answer: ornamental sweet pea pods are poisonous and should never be eaten.

Which sweet peas are best for cutting?

4 min read
According to the RHS, sweet pea 'White Supreme' is one of several varieties recognized for its vigour and good fragrance. For gardeners aspiring to create stunning, long-lasting floral arrangements, selecting the right sweet peas for cutting is the most important first step toward success.

Are Sweet Peas Inflammatory? Separating Fact from Floral Fiction

6 min read
According to botanical definitions, the flowering plant known as the sweet pea (*Lathyrus odoratus*) is toxic, while the vegetable commonly called a sweet pea (often a sugar snap or garden pea) is not inflammatory and is safe to eat. A widespread confusion exists between these two species, which has led to unwarranted fear regarding the edible pea's safety and anti-inflammatory properties.

What Happens If I Eat Sweet Pea Pods?

4 min read
According to gardening experts, ornamental sweet pea pods are mildly poisonous and contain toxins called lathyrogens. If you eat sweet pea pods from these fragrant flowers, you won't suffer acute poisoning from a single, accidental ingestion, but consuming large quantities over time can lead to a serious neurological condition called lathyrism.

What Does Sweet Pea Do to the Body? Separating Fact From Fiction

3 min read
Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 cases of lathyrism have been recorded in Ethiopia between 1976 and 1996, linked to the overconsumption of grass pea, a close relative of the ornamental sweet pea. When it comes to the question of what does sweet pea do to the body, it is crucial to distinguish between the ornamental flowering plant and the edible garden pea due to significant health implications.