English Ivy contains saponins.Since the creators of this anti-plant list do not know what saponins are, they are frightened by the word. Saponins refer to soap and are, or once were, well-known when the roots of the wild-growing Soapwort was used as a detergent. Saponaria officinalis plants were churned in water to create a sudsy lather for cleaning the laundry. ( I am told that it is still used by museum curators for cleaning delicate fabrics. )
Soapwort or Bouncing Bet as it is often called, was brought to North America for this sensible purpose. This species is a perennial wild flower of disturbed soil and its pale pink to white flowers are showy in farm country from July to September. You might miss it if you seek it too early in the day since the flowers do not open until late afternoon. It is an attractive plant quite suitable for your garden. But what about those Saponins ?
You may find them of particular interest if you believe the claim that Saponins prevent stomach cancer; in which case I would stear you away from English Ivy that is hardly palatable and the Soapwort which after all is, well_soapy. No. My recommendation would be the vegetable pea which has a much richer content of Saponins. Some fussy eaters say that they don't like Brussells Sprouts or Asparagus or Beetroot or other perfectly wholesome comestibles, but I have yet to meet a person who does not like vegetable peas.
You will note that the compilors of ths list of plants 'known to be poisonous to humans' do not warn us of the ample supply of Saponins in peas. No, they pick on English Ivy; where the presence of Saponins is quite immaterial.
In the next act of this opera, the lead role and centre stage will feature the Saponin-rich Soybeans. Co-starring will be Edemame, Soy Milk and Tofu.
No comments:
Post a Comment