How to tell what is edible and what is not on outdoor hiking

Identifying edible plants while hiking is a valuable skill, but it requires caution and knowledge. Here are some guidelines to help you differentiate between edible and non-edible plants:
Learn Before You Go: Familiarize yourself with the local flora and fauna of the area you'll be hiking in. Take a field guide or attend classes on wild edibles to learn about the plants in the region.
Stick to What You Know: Only consume plants that you are absolutely certain are safe to eat. Stick to easily identifiable plants that are well-known for their edibility.
Pay Attention to Plant Characteristics: Look for key characteristics that can help you identify edible plants, such as recognizable features like berries, leaves, or roots. Be cautious of plants with features that resemble known poisonous plants.

Perform Edibility Tests: If you're unsure about the edibility of a plant, conduct an edibility test. Start by touching a small part of the plant to your lips to check for any tingling, burning, or itching sensations. If there's no adverse reaction, place a small piece of the plant on your tongue and hold it there for a few minutes without swallowing. If there's still no reaction, chew a small amount of the plant and hold it in your mouth for 15 minutes. If there are no adverse effects, swallow the small amount and wait several hours to ensure there are no delayed reactions. This should only be done as a last resort when you're facing starvation and have no other food sources available.

Avoid Look-Alikes: Be cautious of plants that closely resemble known edible plants but are actually poisonous. Pay attention to details like leaf shape, vein patterns, and overall plant structure to differentiate between similar species.
Start with Common Edibles: Begin by learning about common edible plants that are easily identifiable and have no poisonous look-alikes, such as dandelion greens, wild berries like blackberries or raspberries, and certain nuts like acorns or chestnuts.
Stay Away from Toxic Plants: Avoid plants with milky sap, thorns, or spines, as they are often toxic. Plants with brightly colored berries or mushrooms should also be approached with caution, as many of them are poisonous.
Be Wary of Mushrooms: Mushroom identification can be particularly challenging, and many poisonous mushrooms closely resemble edible ones. Only consume mushrooms if you are absolutely certain of their identity, ideally with guidance from an expert mycologist.
When in Doubt, Don't Eat: If you're unsure about the edibility of a plant, it's better to err on the side of caution and not consume it. Continuing to search for safe food sources or relying on stored provisions is a safer option.
Avoid Eating Plants Near Polluted Areas: Be cautious about consuming plants near roadsides, industrial areas, or agricultural fields, as they may have been exposed to pesticides, pollutants, or other harmful substances.
Remember, proper preparation and knowledge are key when foraging for wild edibles. Always cross-reference multiple sources to verify the identification of plants before consuming them, and if in doubt, don't eat it.