Why must eddoe leaves, known as Callaloo, be thoroughly cooked before consumption?
Answer
They contain oxalates, which cause irritation if the leaves are eaten raw.
A critical safety precaution must be observed when preparing eddoe leaves, referred to as Callaloo. Similar to many other greens belonging to the Araceae family, these leaves naturally contain compounds called oxalates. If these leaves are consumed raw, the oxalates present can cause significant irritation within the mouth and digestive tract. Proper and thorough cooking effectively neutralizes these irritating compounds, transforming the leaves into a safe and nutrient-dense food source rich in protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Related Questions
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