User:Awkwafaba/Edible

Edible describes something that can be eaten. Edibility is one side of a continuum. One end has items that are non-toxic, provide nutrition, are palatable, and can be consumed physically. Some things in the middle may not have all those qualifications: Sassafras is widely eaten but contains the carcinogen safrole. Shirataki noodles appear in grocery stores but have no nutritional value. Cultural norms also color what one considers edible, as a regional delicacies like hákarl and casu marzu may be deemed 'inedible' to people in different regions. Certain groups also have rules on what is edible, such as halal and kashrut laws.

Other species of animals have different standards of edibility. Herbivores cannot eat meat, but omnivores and carnivores can. drugstore beetles and some fruit bats can eat strychnine, but it is deadly to humans. Humans can eat chocolate, but it is toxic to dogs.