Tag: Wild parsnip

According to gardening experts, canker on cultivated parsnips is caused by a fungal infection, not a human pathogen. While it may look unappetizing, you can safely consume the healthy parts of the root after proper preparation.

Overwhelmingly, cultivated parsnips are a safe and nutritious addition to your diet. Yet, some people wonder: are parsnips safe to eat? The confusion stems from a crucial distinction between the harmless garden root and its potentially toxic wild counterpart, which contains compounds that cause severe skin reactions upon exposure to sunlight.

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.

According to some studies, chemicals called furanocoumarins in parsnip sap can cause a severe skin reaction known as phytophotodermatitis, a type of chemical burn. Understanding what are the side effects of parsnips is crucial for safe consumption, especially for sensitive individuals and those interacting with the plant in the wild.

While cultivated parsnips are a healthy and safe root vegetable for most people, the most significant risk comes from their wild counterpart, which contains highly toxic compounds. Therefore, understanding what are the side effects of eating parsnips is critical, particularly when foraging or for individuals with certain sensitivities.