Are Carnivorous Plants Edible for Humans?
As we know, carnivorous plants are so unique and strange in many ways. These plants grow in an environment that lack nutrients. Thus, these plants get some nutrients to survive by catching and eating different insects, and infrequently, even small creatures and frogs. Since their most obvious prey objects are often insects, we also call them insectivorous plants. Moreover, it is not unexpected that these plants grow and survive in fens and bogs.
The question is; are Carnivorous plants edible?
There are many plants around us. But, carnivorous plants get the most attention for being unusual. The way these plants catch and digest the insects is incredible. That is the main reason why these plants are famous than most other beautiful plants.
What do you think about these insectivorous plants? Do you still want to know if they are edible or not? Read along as we uncover this topic
What Carnivorous Plants Eat and Why?
These plants do not receive nitrogenous nourishment from the soil. That’s because their root system is quite different than most other plants. Unlike regular plants, carnivorous plants do not have a food cycle. Therefore, they acquire nutrients from insects. These plants belong to various genera. Also, they have several trapping mechanisms.
Whether trees, land or water, we find these plants in different countries. These plants also perform photosynthesis similar to other plants that we have around us. Therefore, they don’t have to catch prey to get a supply of oxygen and energy. That’s because the insects provide them with enough nutrients which they cannot obtain from the soil. However, alarming information is yet to unfold. Most carnivorous plants grow and thrive in acidic environments.
Another article you may want to consider reading from our library is which Carnivorous Plants are Safe to Grow at Home? which unfolds related tips when planning to grow these kinds of plants further at home.
Now, let’s come to our main question – are they edible?
What Do We Mean By Edible
First of all, note that the term “edible” have different meanings. Edible means something that will not harm or kill you when you eat it. It can range from something palatable to anything that is commercially cultivated for food.
Here, the appropriate aphorism could be that all fungi and plants are edible. In most cases, it can be anthropocentric, which means they safe to eat for humans only. At the same time, palatability also has different meanings. But, we need to find balance while defining this term. Is it necessary that edible should be something that is presently cultivated? The definition of cultivation is also unclear because most plants are produced for ornamental purpose only, i.e. not for food.
Are Carnivorous Plants Edible
Now, you know the definition of “edible.” So, we should now talk about the central question – are carnivorous plants edible? Let’s break this question in two parts. In the first part, we will think about the taste while in another section, we will talk about the reasons. Above all, there is also another question to this topic.
Let’s assume that, carnivorous plants are edible, but what will you make out of them? Are there any recipes for cooking carnivorous plants?
Safety
Some carnivorous plants can also be poisonous. Thus, they can harm your health. You should read the scientific properties and anatomy of any strange plant before eating it.
Animal Residue
Carnivorous plants use enzymes for digesting the insects. Most of them, such as Butterworts, Sundews, and Venus flytraps, can make their digestive enzymes. However, sometimes, the digestion process couldn’t finish. In such cases, the carnivorous plants can have dead insect residue. The leftovers can be either inside or on them. Would you mind cooking a dish out of such plant that has insect residue?
What We Learned While Writing Are Carnivorous Plants Edible for Humans
So, can you eat carnivorous plants? The answer is it depends on the type of plant. Furthermore, it also depends on whether you want to eat something that is not tasty. From the taste point of view, carnivorous plants such as Venus Flytraps, Sundews, Pitcher Plant, etc. may not make good eating for you. There are many other sources of food that we can consume.
Also, note that almost all plants are somehow indirectly carnivorous. Everything runs under a life cycle where organisms, plants, flowers, and other creatures die and decay. Fungi or plants then consume the released nutrients, and this cycle starts all over again. Carnivorous plants do the same thing.
Here’s another one of our articles recommended for reading as well related to Carnivorous Plants: How Did All Carnivorous Plants Evolve Their Taste For Meat?
