In order to know the meaning of the term edible, it is necessary to discover, first, its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it derives from Latin, exactly from the word “edibilis” which can be translated as “that you can eat”. From that we can indicate that it is the result of the sum of two differentiated components:
-The verb “comedere”, which is synonymous with “eat”.
-The suffix “-ible”, which indicates “that you can”.
According to DigoPaul, the term refers to what can be eaten. Foods in general are also said to be edible.
For example: “These mushrooms, will they be edible?” , “For some cultures, dogs are edible, although we find the idea of cooking a pet abominable”, “The grocery industry is at the end of the aisle. “
At a general level, it can be said that something is edible when its intake does not cause damage to the body. A toxic substance, therefore, is not edible. However, there is a social and cultural question associated with what is considered edible and what is not.
In the examples mentioned above, the case of dog meat appears. In some regions of China and Korea, the dog is considered edible. For the majority of Latin Americans and Europeans, on the other hand, eating dog is aberrant. His flesh, however, does not generate problems in the health of the human being. That is why it can be said that, for people, considering the dog edible or not depends on their culture.
Ultimately, for a substance to be edible, several factors are taken into account. As a first point, said substance does not have to be toxic or harmful. On the other hand, it must meet nutritional needs (providing energy to the body), social (it is part of the culture) and psychological (its consumption provides gratification). Certain substances can be nutritious but negative from a social or psychological level.
It is very common to use the term grocery store as well. It is used to refer to any commercial establishment in which any citizen can buy all kinds of drinks and food products.
With advances in the kitchen, it has been possible to reach a point where elements that were not edible before are now edible. A good example of this are the flowers. Thus, more and more chefs are turning to them to include in their dishes and thus surprise diners.
Specifically, among the most commonly used edible flowers are violets, known as nasturtiums, calendula, chives flower, zucchini flower, begonias, poets carnation flower or orange blossom.
Of course, it is important in this sense to be clear that not all flowers are edible, since there are also toxic flowers, so before cooking with them you have to inform yourself very well about them.
