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Are bracken toxic

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Whatsup453

Lvl 1
15y ago
Updated: 8/18/2019

Very much so. Full grown bracken ferns - when ingested - destroy the body's vitamin B supply. It can be lethal in high amounts.

HOWEVER, the young, unfurled bracken (called 'fiddleheads') can be consumed only AFTER being cooked. The cooking neutralizes the shikimic acid, which can cause stomach upset, but is not lethal. Boil for 5 minutes to achieve edible status.

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Wiki User

15y ago

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