Tag: Nightshade safety

Despite the infamous reputation of the nightshade family, the American black nightshade (*Solanum americanum*) is considered edible by many foragers, provided its leaves and berries are properly identified and prepared. The crucial distinction is that only the fully ripe, shiny black berries and thoroughly cooked young leaves are safe to consume, while the unripe green fruit is highly toxic.

Despite the ominous name, the majority of nightshades, including popular foods like tomatoes and potatoes, are completely safe to handle and eat. However, the key is understanding which species are safe and which ones, like deadly nightshade, are highly toxic and should never be handled without gloves. So, **are nightshades poisonous to the touch?**

Scientific research confirms that like other nightshades, turkey berries contain compounds called glycoalkaloids, which can be toxic if consumed improperly or in large amounts. The good news is that when handled correctly, you can eat turkey berries safely as part of many culinary dishes.