I checked it with the PlantNet app, and searched for images and description and look-alikes as well. Is there anything more I should do to confirm plant identities? Edit: forgot to mention smell test
Not necessarily, that all sounds like good practice, I was just going off of your comment which sounded uncertain. If you did your due diligence then itβs probably fine.
I was always taught that before eating anything you should be essentially certain of its edibility. But of course, some people consistently overrate their own certainty and some people consistently underrate it, so this standard does pose problems and it is worth self-reflection on which category you may fall into.
Getting community or expert input, as youβve done here is also not a bad idea, though obviously we can be wrong as well. But the more layers of verification you have, the safer you are.
One thing to keep in mind as a novice forager is that there will be future opportunities. Itβs perfectly OK to harvest a plant and then decide you arenβt certain and toss it. Itβs part of the learning process, and you will find more of any foraged food that is ethical to harvest, almost guaranteed. After enough attempts and education you will feel confident and can enjoy it then!
Yeah it is highly allelopathic meaning its roots poison other plants that try to grow near it. Maybe the worst invasive species in regions it has invaded.
I'm not sure I'd call it spicy, but it has a bit of a bite to it. It's one of many members of the mustard family. It definitely tastes and smells a lot like garlic.