Can I eat sassafras root?
Quick Answer
No
While sassafras root was traditionally used in culinary applications, it is no longer considered safe for consumption due to its high safrole content, a compound found to be carcinogenic.
What Is It?
Sassafras root comes from the sassafras tree, native to eastern North America. It was traditionally used in culinary applications, including root beer, and in herbal medicine.
Historical Context
Sassafras root was widely used by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes. It was also a key ingredient in root beer until the 1960s when it was banned by the FDA.
Why It Can Be Risky
The main risk associated with consuming sassafras root is its high safrole content.
- Safrole has been found to be carcinogenic in laboratory animals.
- Excessive consumption of safrole can lead to liver damage.
Safe Alternatives
Wintergreen and black birch are often used as alternatives to sassafras in culinary applications.
Legal Considerations
In the United States, the FDA banned the use of sassafras as a food and drink flavoring in the 1960s due to its safrole content.