Tag: Wintergreen berries

Records show that wintergreen berries have been foraged and consumed for centuries by Native American tribes. The short answer to 'are wintergreen berries safe to eat?' is yes, in moderation, but only if you can correctly identify the *Gaultheria procumbens* species and its non-toxic berries, and avoid its poisonous lookalikes.

Concentrated wintergreen oil contains a dangerously high level of methyl salicylate, a compound so potent that as little as one teaspoon can be lethal. This raises serious concerns for anyone asking, "Are wintergreen berries good for you?" as the fresh berries and leaves are often used in traditional remedies.

Native American tribes have historically used wintergreen berries for both food and medicine. The question, "Can you eat wild wintergreen berries?" is a common one for foragers, and the answer is yes, they are edible in small quantities, but proper identification and caution are essential.