Edible bulbs

Jim McKenney jimmckenney@jimmckenney.com
Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:45:27 PDT
Two things about Roger’s piece on edible plants caught my attention.

 

He wrote “sometimes the novelty of finding out that a given plant has been
used for food leads to intemperate discussion of it. An example is rue,
which as far as I know is not palatable, and may be toxic, but which is
described with little gasps of delight as having been used in salads. Phooey
on that!”

 

I’m in no hurry to try it. However, Mrs.Fox (early twentieth century writer
on herbs and lilies among other things)  quotes Marcel Boulestin (early
twentieth century French cook who emigrated to England and conducted a
successful writing career) “chopped [rue] leaves and brown bread make good
sandwiches.” I’ll take their word for it. 

 

Roger also wrote: “Be aware that ordinary culinary alliums are toxic to dogs
and cats.”

 

I wonder. Many vets prescribe garlic, and lots of it, in food for dogs.
Evidently it helps repel fleas. I have a hunch it’s the leaves which are the
problem, not the bulbs. Does anyone know for sure?

 

Jim McKenney

jimmckenney@jimmckenney.com

Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, 39.03871º North, 77.09829º West, USDA zone
7

My Virtual Maryland Garden http://www.jimmckenney.com/

BLOG! http://mcwort.blogspot.com/

 

Webmaster Potomac Valley Chapter, NARGS 

Editor PVC Bulletin http://www.pvcnargs.org/ 

 

Webmaster Potomac Lily Society http://www.potomaclilysociety.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 


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