Huckleberries Online

Everyday Foods that can Kill You Horribly

Posted by Cindy

Dec. 23, 2009 12:30 p.m. • 11 comments

Rhubarb is a tasty treat and a hardy garden dweller.

In my unflagging efforts to spread warmth and holiday cheer, I give you this list of everyday foods that can cause much misery and death.

You know deadly things like, rhubarb, potatoes and water. So before you take another helping of deep-fried butter with a side of Namibian Bullfrog, please read the above.

Merry Christmas!

11 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

joebu on December 23 at 12:39 p.m.
some of my brain cells in the category of “US Presidents” are missing, but I sort of remember learning that Zachary Taylor died from complications from intestinal distress/colitis from eating cucumbers and milk on a hot summer day. Of course it could be pure urban legend like Washington and that cherry tree.
joebu on December 23 at 12:42 p.m.
And don’t forget the trappings of the holidays can kill you, or at least make you hate life — poinsettias, mistletoe and holly all are toxic. So no chewing on the decor… just saying.
Cindy_H on December 23 at 12:46 p.m.
Kinda strange that much of our traditional holiday decor is toxic.
Soaf on December 23 at 12:49 p.m.
Not to mention my Mother-in-laws turkey!
scootermom on December 23 at 1:28 p.m.
Fruitcake. There’s got to be something toxic in there, or people would actually eat the stuff.
Fixer on December 23 at 1:35 p.m.
Or an avocado with a switchblade and nothing to lose.
Ian on December 23 at 1:51 p.m.
And to think I was about to cook up some _everyday_ Namibian Bullfrog for dinner.

Toxicity of rhubarb is way overblown. Oxalic acid is one of the primary reasons you don’t go forging in nature without knowing what you’re eating. It is present in _many_ greens. The toxin is present in both rhubarb leaves _and_ stalks (~2x more in leaves). It appears in similar concentration in spinach, chives, and parsley.
Cindy_H on December 23 at 1:59 p.m.
What about rosemary and thyme?
Phaedrus on December 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Oxalic acid is one of the primary reasons…

I love rhubarb, spinach, chives and parsley. But no surprise, I’ve always had a soft spot for acid.
spokelooneh on December 23 at 11:21 p.m.
Stick with parsley and sage.

I believe Ian meant forAging.

Oh, and capers, can’t go wrong with those.
Stickman on December 26 at 3:46 p.m.
I have to agree with scootermom, fruitcake has got to be the nastiest thing ever invented or cooked for human beings.