Tag: Poison parsnip

Wild parsnip sap contains toxic compounds called furanocoumarins, which cause severe skin burns upon sun exposure. Despite this danger, some foragers insist that certain parts of the plant are edible if handled correctly, leaving many to wonder, "Are wild parsnips safe to eat?" This article explores the potential risks and provides the necessary safety information.

Wild parsnip is the same species, *Pastinaca sativa*, as the domesticated vegetable found in grocery stores, but it has escaped cultivation and proliferated in the wild. The answer to "can humans eat wild parsnip?" is complex, involving strict safety measures and proper identification to avoid serious chemical burns.