Imagine being lost in the woods with no food and little hope for immediate rescue. Your survival now hinges on finding something edible. So, what would you do? How would you identify what nature offers as safe and consumable versus what’s potentially harmful? This is where the Universal Edibility Test, developed by the army, comes in as a critical technique for wilderness survival. In this blog post, let’s delve into the essentials of this test, its steps, and additional tips to enhance your survival know-how.
The Importance of the Universal Edibility Test
Years ago, the army introduced the Universal Edibility Test to help individuals distinguish between edible and poisonous plants in survival situations. This test acts as a systematic approach to gauge the safety of consuming different parts of an unknown plant. While it is a lengthy process—taking up over 24 hours—it’s a crucial skill to master when you’re in a situation where guessing wrong can mean the difference between life and death.
Key Considerations Before Starting the Test
Before diving into the test, there are a few essential points to keep in mind:
- Ensure Abundance: Make sure you have enough of the plant available in case it turns out to be edible. Testing a plant with limited availability might result in minimal nutritional gain.
- Fasting: To ensure that any reaction is solely due to the plant being tested, fast for at least eight hours before starting the test.
- Full Plant Separation: Different parts of a plant can have varying levels of edibility. For instance, while rhubarb stems are safe to eat, its leaves are poisonous. Hence, separate the buds, flowers, roots, and leaves before testing.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Universal Edibility Test
Step 1: Smell and Sniff Test
This preliminary step involves taking note of any offensive or unusual odors. If the plant smells moldy or emits scents similar to pear or bitter almond, it might indicate the presence of cyanide compounds. Such plants should be avoided.
Step 2: Skin Test
Rub a small portion of the plant on a sensitive part of your skin, like the forearm, and wait for 15 minutes. If there’s no immediate reaction, continue to monitor for changes over the next eight hours. Any signs of irritation or blisters mean you should abandon the test.
“Chances are you’ve got the rest of your life to get it right. So it’s worth it.”
Step 3: Cooked Sample Test
Cook a small portion of the plant since cooking can sometimes neutralize harmful compounds. Start the lip test by placing the cooked plant on your outer lips for three minutes. If there’s no reaction, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Taste Test
For the taste test, place the cooked sample in your mouth without chewing. Hold it for 15 minutes. If there’s no adverse reaction, you can begin to chew—but do not swallow. If irritation or any strange sensation occurs, spit it out immediately and rinse your mouth.
Step 5: Swallow Test
Finally, swallow a small piece of the plant and observe yourself over the next eight hours. Stay hydrated and try to flush out your system at the first sign of discomfort. If no adverse reactions occur, the plant could be safe for consumption.
Step 6: Portion Test
Consume a larger portion (around a quarter cup) of the plant and monitor any effects. It’s always wise to eat moderate amounts, as certain plants might have accumulated toxicity over time.
General Tips on Foraging Wild Edibles
While the Universal Edibility Test is an invaluable tool, it’s also essential to have some general knowledge about wild edibles. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid plants with thorns, shiny leaves, hair on their stems, milky sap, or those that bear yellow and white berries.
- Aim to improve your skills in foraging and familiarize yourself with common edibles and poisonous plants in your area or any other you plan to visit.
Conclusion
The Universal Edibility Test is a critical survival skill that everyone venturing into the wilderness should know. It should ideally serve as a last resort, especially for those skilled in identifying safe plants. Equip yourself with this knowledge, and you’ll always have a tool at your disposal to help navigate uncertain situations safely. Remember, it’s about survival and effectively utilizing every resource nature provides.
Stay alert, stay knowledgeable, and above all, stay safe in the wild. Until next time, venture wisely and keep this life-saving test in your survival toolkit.
