Thread: Venison
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Posted to rec.food.cooking,uk.food+drink.misc
sarah
 
Posts: n/a
Default Venison

graham > wrote:

> "sarah" > wrote in message
> ...
> > graham > wrote:
> >
> >> "sarah" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > Doctor J. Frink > wrote:

[-]
> >> >> I can't say I've experienced any numbness but parsnips do contain
> >> >> toxins (as lots of veg does), which can cause skin irritation when
> >> >> exposed to sunlight and possibly upset stomach.
> >> >>
> >> >> They tend to be in the damaged areas so if you peel the parsnip well
> >> >> and thoroughly cut out any bruises (if you don't already) it might
> >> >> help.
> >> >
> >> > I certainly peel them, but haven't paid close attention to cutting out
> >> > all the damaged bits. I know about the skin irritation bit; they (and
> >> > many other members of the family) contain a chemical that blocks the
> >> > skin's ability to protect itself from the sun. Depending on the
> >> > sensitivity of your skin you may not see any reaction from quite
> >> > prolonged contact on solidly overcast days, but sunlight leads to a
> >> > remarkable burn -- I tested some wild parsnip on my (inner) arm and it
> >> > raised blisters 12 hours later. I pity the youngsters who used to use
> >> > the stems as peashooters!
> >> >
> >> Is that a feature of all the Umbellifera?

> >
> > I don't know, but it's possible, perhaps to a lesser extent. The
> > compounds involved are psoralens and furanocoumarins. There are records
> > of contact dermatitis suffered by people working with carrots, angelica,
> > and dill to name some of the more popular plants; others, such as Giant
> > Hogweed (_Hieraceum mantegazzianum_, from memory!) are very dangerous. I
> > tested the Wild Parsnip to judge whether the results were sufficiently
> > severe to have put two lads in hospital with what were diagnosed as
> > 'chemical burns' on their legs. The answer was most definitely 'Yes',
> > and I'd add I have *never* itched so much from anything before (but then
> > I don't think I ever encountered Poison Ivy).
> >

> I don't recall ever reacting to "Sheep's parsley" as a kid. Until these
> posts, I didn't know of these complaints/reactions and the Umbellifera are
> such an important source of food, herbs and spices.


I've never reacted to carrots or dill -- it's usually people who harvest
or otherwise work with the plants a lot who develop sensitivities.
Hogweed/Wild Parsnip are unusual in the degree and speed of reaction.

regards
sarah


--
Think of it as evolution in action.