Discussing Problems Presented By The Universal Edibility Test
In the video embedded below I discuss with Gordon Dedman of Bushcraft Survival Australia, problems with the Universal Edibility Test. These problems largely fall into two categories; 1) problems caused by the way this test is commonly presented, especially on the internet, and 2) shortcomings inherent in the application of the the test itself, even when fully presented and properly applied.
There are many references to the Universal Edibility Test on the internet and in published books. Many instances on the internet are poorly presented, as are some instances in printed books. A common issue is that the test is presented incompletely. In cases of incomplete presentation, important parts are left out. An often neglected part of the test are the exclusions of types of plants that should not even be tested in the first place.
Misrepresentation of the Universal Edibility Test
The worst offences include statements such as “how to know if any plant is edible”. This is absolutely not the case. It’s categorically wrong and potentially dangerous to frame the Universal Edibility Test in this way. In part of the discussion in the video below I explain why not using the exclusions as a pre-filter to reduce the scope of the plants one might test is problematic.
You Need To Target Specific Plant Parts
There are also further issues with the way this test is generally presented. The test, properly stated, dictates that you separate the plant into constituent parts (meaning roots, stem, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, etc.,), testing each part independently. If the reason for this is not obvious, then let me explain that some plants have some parts that are edible but other parts that contain toxins. While this separation rule is present in most presentations of the test, it’s uncommon for there to be any discussion of targeting particular parts of a plant over others. There is likely more energy in some parts of a plant than others. I discuss this more fully in the video.
Every Survival Website Mentions The Universal Edibility Test
A further issue with the Universal Edibility Test, is not in the test itself. Rather, this issue is the popularity of the test. It is widely presented as a magic bullet in a survival situation, even as something you can use to learn about recreational foraging. The latter is idiotic and dangerous.
The widespread promotion of the test, including on general outdoor websites, not just those sites dedicated to survival know-how, tends to result in a subset of inexperienced people seeing it as an easy solution to their ignorance about wild edibles. This is especially the case when the test is presented with undue authority.
Is The Universal Edibility Test Useful?
The Universal Edibility Test, properly understood, and properly applied has its place. However, it should not be seen as a crutch or a reason not to learn any more.
Learning about wild plants can be challenging but I hope the conversation between Gordon and me also shows that some basic knowledge, focussed in the right areas, will go a long way.
You can start with the free articles on this site linked further down this page under the heading related material.
If you’d like to learn more about tree and plant identification, you might like to consider my online Tree & Plant Identification Masterclass.
Conversations With Gordon Dedman
The conversation between Gordon and I is the second part of a recording made by Gordon in the summer of 2022. Gordon was in the UK for the Global Bushcraft Symposium. He stayed on to take a number of courses in the UK, including one of mine. Aferwards we sat down to record an interview for his channel. There were a number of areas Gordon was keen to discuss. The above video is the second part of the conversation. The first part of the conversation can be seen and heard here.
If you are not familiar with Gordon Dedman, then here is a little background. Gordon is lead instructor at Bushcraft Survival Australia. Gordon is a former member of the Australian Army 1st Commando Regiment and is currently a survival instructor in NORFORCE, an Australian Army Reserve Regional Force Surveillance Unit (RFSU). Gordon is also a Combat Survival SERE instructor (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) and instructs on RAAF Combat Survival Training School courses in North Queensland.
Related Material On This Site
The Dunning Kruger Effect In Learning and Teaching Bushcraft, Survival and Wilderness Living Skills
PK Podcast 49: Gordon Dedman On Australia Bushcraft and Survival
PK Podcast 50: Les Hiddins, The Bush Tucker Man
A Realistic Approach To Survival Foraging
Five Survival Plants Every Forager Should Know
Ten of the Best European Berries to Forage
In Search of Winter Greenery: Twelve Candidates For Frosty Foraging
Books Mentioned
Wilderness Survival by Gregory Davenport
Further Discussion Of Edibility Tests
For ease of reference students of my paid online courses will find the following links useful in the above context too. Both these presentations are part of the Continuation Study Series, which is open to students of my Online Elementary Bushcraft Course.
7 thoughts on “Discussing Problems Presented By The Universal Edibility Test”
enjoyed this one Paul . and yes i have seen some of the other videos on you tube , and was sure glad i had your course behind me to steer me right . I think on a military aspect it should be 12 plants per region , 3 for each season and also containing any crossover ie it dies off in winter but may still be found and is still edible etc , Hotter climates should still contain 12 but include any seasonal change . maybe done as a deck of playing cards for squaddies to carry with them ? The jokers could display the full edibility test ? ps dont forget to cut me in for 10% royalties lol.
As usual ,Paul is li real in sharing his unique knowledge even to Frree-loaders like me .
Am living in India and have been dealing with adventure,in which survival is very important.
But most of the plants mentioned in your .arterial do not exist in the Indian sub conti entit.
I would keep toed ate kids about survival on plants for their food and medication.
Hprequested
When done correctly, it can be a good little skill to have but if somebody is truly in a ‘survival’ situation, they do not actually have the time to be waiting so long to know what is and isn’t edible. It is much better to read up on local flora first.
I have thought a lot about the Universal Edibility Test; and came to realize that there is not enough time for an amateur to do this test; and especially when the tests I see most often talked about are (1) rubbing a leaf on the hairy arm (and wait 4 hours looking for a rash), then (2) onto the inside non-hairy arm (wait 4 hours), then (3) inner-elbow (a different tissue), and wait four hours; then (4) onto a cheek and wait four hours, then (5) onto a lip and wait 4 hours, then onto your tongue and wait four hours, then bite it and check out the juice (and wait a minimum of four hours),..by the time one gets done with each test, a whole day has passed. So always bring some food-gear with you if are going to use the Universal Edibility Test as your guide to unfamiliar greens.
Indeed, the test, properly executed, is time-consuming. Therefore, it has to be directed at plant parts that are likely to provide some calories – starchy roots and tubers mainly. Green leaves, while good for micronutrients for long-term health, are of little value in a situation where you must find calories. Moreover, if you want to learn greens for everyday foraging, then the UET is not the right tool for the job.
And, yes, take food on your trips 🙂
Warm regards,
Paul
Another thing I’ve learned is that I cannot remember lots of details about edible plants, even those growing in my own yard (I never poison my lawns) and often in my garden. So this year I will transplant edible weeds into pots; and add an information covered in a plastic baggy pinned to the stake that addresses main features (and look-a-likes) as they may apply. That way, since I will be watering them near every day, I can re-read main features “that often”; and hopefully with daily weed care (besides gardens care) I will know what is growing all over my area. I do not mind the bitter flavor of “hot summertime sun” dandelion leaves. But I really should also learn how to cook them in a way that tastes better (such as canned spinach); and I should also can a few jars of stewed dandelion greens. If one will eat them, one might as well know how to cook them and store them for a day or two (for preparation for a sick day or two, or a storm for a day or two). There are a lot of things that need to be done on a real bug-out. I do dehydrate different things, but I’ve not tried dandelion greens. They are good for vitamins! There are lots of different weeds that leaf out just like the dandelion rosette leaf pattern, so there are at different times of the year lots of “look-a-likes”. Identifying plants is difficult, especially when they sprout up. If the reader is forgetful, like me, you have to intentionally grow them (such as in pots or a raised bed to watch the full lifespan and compare and contrast different stages of development; and the best time to can them (for winter greens). I got my pots already out, filled with dirt. Later today I’ll begin transplanting dandelions; and tomorrow something else.
Deliberately growing and revisiting plants you want to learn could be a good approach, as long as you have identified the correct plants in the first place (and assuming they survive being potted). But yes, fundamentally, repetition over time, and seeing a plant through its different growth stages, is what really helps build recognition.
That said, it’s important not to rely on a single feature such as leaf shape alone, particularly with rosette plants. As you’ve noted, there are quite a few species that can look similar at certain stages. Building a broader picture of each plant, including flowers, stems and overall growth habit, is key.
In terms of edibility, dandelion is a useful and widely recognised species, but as with all wild foods, correct identification is essential before consumption.
Warm regards,
Paul