Does Edible Mean Fit to Be Eaten? Unpacking Palatability vs. Safety
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to Merriam-Webster, a word dating back to the 16th century, the term "edible" simply means safe to eat, without regard to taste or palatability. This reveals a critical nuance: does edible mean fit to be eaten? Not necessarily, as many factors beyond basic toxicity influence whether a food is truly desirable and safe for consumption.