Odour test with pitfalls: What to look out for when collecting wild garlic
Pesto, herb butter and quark - wild garlic (Allium ursinum) refines many dishes with its garlicky flavour. With the first harbingers of spring, the allium begins to sprout in parks and forests in this country. But be careful: the young leaves are similar to those of the poisonous lily of the valley and the very poisonous autumn crocus. Documentation from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) and the poison centres (GIZ) shows that confusion can lead to serious poisoning, in rare cases even to death. "We therefore advise people to avoid eating wild garlic if in doubt," says Professor Matthias Greiner, Head of the ExposureExposureTo glossary Department at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. To distinguish wild garlic from poisonous lookalikes, it is usually sufficient to rub a piece of leaf between your fingers. If this does not reveal the garlic odour typical of wild garlic, it is better to leave the herb and wash your hands thoroughly. "But the odour test also has its pitfalls: if the smell of leeks from a previous sample is still on your hands, this can lead to a false result," explains Greiner. Wild garlic gatherers should therefore know the plant and all its characteristics well.
Wild garlic typically grows in shady, nutrient-rich deciduous and mixed forests, as well as in parks and riparian woodlands. In early spring, two lush green, lance-shaped leaves sprout from the small bulbs, which are also used in the kitchen. A typical distinguishing feature of wild garlic is its garlicky odour. Nevertheless, collectors often confuse the plant with poisonous lookalikes such as lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) or autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). In April and May in particular, cases of poisoning become more frequent throughout Europe, especially in Austria, Switzerland and Croatia, but also in Germany.
If you experience health problems after eating wild garlic, you should immediately contact a a poison centre or seek medical advice. To stay on the safe side, consider purchasing wild garlic from trusted greengrocers or specialist shops, or grow it yourself on your windowsill or in your garden.
Further information
- The free BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment app "Poisoning accidents in children" offers first aid measures in the event of poisoning while travelling (in German): see the app
- Directory of poison centres (in German): see the directory
About the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) in Germany. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment advises the Federal Government and the States (‘Laender’) on questions of food, chemicals and product safety. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts independent research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.
This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.