Comments on: pepper pesto?

Question: pepper pesto?

jujube — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:56:22 -0800

Made some pesto with chili pepper leaves by mistake. Now what?

I picked some chili pepper leaves by mistake, thinking it was a variety of basil. Made pesto with the leaves, along with some real basil leaves. Ate some. Stomach feeling a little upset, but am otherwise fine. Plus, the upset part just might be psychological. I know the leaves of nightshade family are supposed to be poisonous, but this ,this , and this say that leaves are eatable, especially those from a young plant. Should I throw the rest of the pesto out? Should I save it?

By: odi.et.amo

odi.et.amo — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:20:44 -0800

Sounds like it might be good to use as a rub on a steak or other hunk of beef. If you like that sort of thing.

By: mds35

mds35 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:59:08 -0800

Watch out for solanine poisoning.

You might want to give your local poison center a call, just for peace of mind. if you're in the US, go here.

By: mds35

mds35 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:25:40 -0800

Also, your third link does not mention any chili peppers. The pepper described on that page is an altogether different plant, species, etc.

By: Deathalicious

Deathalicious — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:28:44 -0800

Yeah, seconding the poison control center. They usually have a good database of what is and isn't safe. I wouldn't continue eating it even if it were "safe"; even if it won't "kill" you it might have some negative effects.

By: onhazier

onhazier — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:30:48 -0800

Toss it.

By: WyoWhy

WyoWhy — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:51:09 -0800

Throw it away.