What makes something edible and something not edible?!
What makes something edible and something not edible?
such as plants or living creatures.
Answers:
Toxins in some plants etc are unable to be processed by human beings rendering them inedible.
I sometimes wonder how people found out what was good and what was not good to eat and can only guess that it was by trial and error!!!
Not being sick after eating it makes it edible.
whether or not it kills you?
I think it means what is digestible or what is not digestible. Whether the body can break it down into soluble pieces or not.
I guess if depends on if something kills you or not. For example, I don't find insects edible, but many cultures do. Or, I love octopus, but my English friend was revolted when offered to her
1. is it toxic?
Y=not edible
N=edible
2. is it palatable?
Y=edible
N=not edible, except in dire circumstances
3. does it meet culturally mandated standards of "wholesomeness"?
Y=edible
N=not edible, except in dire circumstances and/or by savages
4. is it reasonably procured/prepared?
Y=edible
N=not edible, except by the extremely well-off
5. does it cause any unusual side effects?
Y=not edible, unless you're in college
N=edible