How safe is it to harvest wild sassafras?
I am interested in trying to incorporate wild sassafras (roots, mostly) into my cooking. I have established definitively that the plants are sassafras, and not something else, so I'm not worried about accidentally picking the wrong thing. However, I was reading up on it, and Wikipedia seems to think that the plant can be poisonous. How true is this? Is there a way to ensure safety in my cooking (beyond scrapping the project altogether)?
Best Answer
I have been cooking with sassafras roots for years, all wild, as taught by my Indian Lore classes in scouting, and what I teach to current scouts. I also have taught specific recipes with the leaves, but only as flavoring in steaming and such, never eating (not for harm or issues, but because of the bitter aftertaste of the leaves)
As far as your actual questions:
How true is this?
Is there a way to ensure safety in my cooking (beyond scrapping the project altogether)?
For 1, I would have to say that they are true, but also clinical, and I have not been able to discover any documentation that sassafras directly harms humans, only that some of the compounds found in sassafras are harmful at higher levels, and given that the plants are wild, the concentration levels are unknown.
For 2, I would say that one standard root (approx 6 inches in length of varying circumferences) is good for about a half of a gallon to a gallon of water, boiled 2 to three times. If you want a concentrated flavor, boil the water down, and you will get a more potent mixin liquid. (also used for making beers, and ales - ginger ale included, both alcoholic and non alcoholic)
Pictures about "How safe is it to harvest wild sassafras?"
Is sassafras safe to touch?
Sassafras seems safe in foods and beverages if it is \u201csafrole-free.\u201d However, it is UNSAFE for use as a medicine. Don't take it by mouth or put it on your skin. The safrole in sassafras root bark and oil can cause cancer and liver damage.How poisonous is sassafras?
The safrole in sassafras root bark and oil can cause cancer and liver damage. Consuming just 5 mL of sassafras oil can kill an adult. Sassafras can cause sweating and hot flashes. High amounts can cause vomiting, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and other severe side effects.How do you harvest and use sassafras?
Sassafras and Fil\xe9 Foraging If you want to harvest sassafras, go for a hike and find some \u2014 they're easy to spot! Remember, the best way to know you've found sassafras is to cut a bit of the flesh off a stem or root and take a whiff. It should smell just like root beer. Pick the leaves to dry for fil\xe9.Why does the FDA not like sassafras?
Well, sassafras and sarsaparilla both contain safrole, a compound recently banned by the FDA due to its carcinogenic effects. Safrole was found to contribute to liver cancer in rats when given in high doses, and thus it and sassafras or sarsaparilla-containing products were banned.Harvesting sassafras for tea and seasoning
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Images: Julia Volk, Any Lane, Julia Volk, Ivars