Under what specific condition were the seeds of Astragalus canadensis sometimes considered edible?
Answer
When harvested young
A nuanced point regarding the consumption of *Astragalus canadensis* is tied directly to the developmental stage of its seeds. While the roots are not emphasized for internal use in the same way as the TCM varieties, the seeds were occasionally included in the diet by indigenous groups. However, this consumption was conditional: the seeds were only considered edible when they were harvested in their young, immature state. Consuming mature seeds could lead to undesirable qualities, such as excessive toughness or undesirable characteristics, emphasizing the importance of precise harvesting knowledge.
Related Questions
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