What is pokeweed?

Pokeweed is a strongly smelling herbaceous perennial growing from four to eight feet in height. The root and berries are poisonous, but the first shoots that grow in the spring are considered to be a great delicacy. They are green to reddish purple in color and may be prepared like asparagus.

When preparing poke weed for consumption the first time, allow an experienced person to teach you what parts are safe to use and how to prepare it. If the wrong parts are eaten and pokeweed is not prepared properly, it can be Poisonous to consume! It is important to use only the thick, succulent new growth (3 to 4 inches at the growing tips). The rest of the plant contains so much Vitamin A that it may be poisonous unless it is boiled in water 3 times (the water must be discarded 3 times to leech out the excess Vitamin A.