Are tulips poisonous? Be careful: confusion with onions

Onions are delicious and healthy. There are many different onions available for purchase. Other plants, such as tulips, are also sold as bulbs. Tulip bulbs are not edible and should not be eaten by humans or animals. But how to distinguish edible onions from tulip bulbs? We clarify the important characteristics and give advice on how to avoid confusing poisonous tulip bulbs and edible onions.

Are tulip bulbs poisonous?

Tulip bulbs contain small quantities of toxic alkaloids, particularly tulip A and B, which if consumed can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and, in more serious cases, cramps and heart problems. However, all parts of the tulip plant are poisonous. Not just the bulb, but also the stem and flower. Tulips and tulip bulbs should never be eaten and it is advisable to ensure that they are kept away from pets as they are also susceptible to tulip bulb poisoning. If you accidentally confuse tulip bulbs with edible onions, you should consult a doctor immediately. But we want to list some characteristics to take into consideration to distinguish tulip bulbs from table onions.

Distinguish between tulip bulbs and edible onions

There are many types of onions as well as many types of tulips. When it comes to edible onions, vegetable onions, white and red onions, shallots and spring onions are particularly popular. Silver onions and spring onions can also be found in many supermarkets. Individual tulip bulbs may be confused with edible onions, especially if they are raw or unpeeled. Both types of onions look similar and have a similar shape and size. However, there are some differences to keep in mind:

• Tulip bulbs usually have a smooth, firm surface compared to edible onions, which are often slightly bumpy and flaky.
• Tulip bulbs have a round, symmetrical base and are slightly bulbous, while edible bulbs usually have a flat or flattened base.
• Tulip bulbs often have a distinctive tulip shape inside with several concentric layers, while edible bulbs usually have only one or two layers.

Discover wild herbs in spring

Now in spring nature is awakening and many wild herbs are sprouting. In our wild herb magazine for spring (available here), in spring we will show you the most important spontaneous plants. They are simply explained and presented with helpful images. There are also excellent recipes in the magazine. Let yourself be enchanted by wild herbs and take a look at our herbalist’s shop www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de

The nose also helps distinguish onions

The nose should also be used. Edible onions have a strong onion odor. The characteristic aroma of onions is caused by sulfur-containing compounds, in particular the enzyme alliinase, which is released when onions are cut or chopped. Alliinase converts the alliin contained in onions into various volatile compounds, including allyl sulfides, thiocyanates and thiosulfinate, which make up the characteristic aroma and taste of onions. A particularly important substance responsible for the typical onion odor is allicin thiosulfinate. It is formed when alliinase converts the alliin present in onions into allicin. However, allicin is very unstable and is quickly broken down into other volatile compounds that contribute to the characteristic onion flavor. Tulip bulbs usually do not have the characteristic onion odor like that of edible onions. Instead, they often have a neutral or slightly sweet scent.

Your start in spring

Start now with our book “With wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round“(available here) and with ours Seasonal calendar of wild herbs (available here) in the new harvest and harvest year. You can also purchase our products in discounted sets like this one Spring set (available here).

Is it possible for tulip bulbs to accidentally end up in the edible bulb network?

It’s possible that tulip bulbs might accidentally end up in the supermarket bulb net, but it’s unlikely. Most supermarkets and grocery stores sell tulip bulbs and edible onions separately to avoid confusion. However, it cannot be ruled out that isolated tulip bulbs could end up in a batch of edible onions during onion harvesting, processing or packaging. To minimize the risk of confusion, when purchasing onions at the supermarket or market, make sure the onions are sorted neatly and separately. If you have doubts about the type of onion you purchased, you can always take a look at the packaging or label to contact the manufacturer or retailer. However, if you are unsure, you should not eat onions until you have cleared up any uncertainties. The best way to buy onions is from the producer, in the company store. Here you will usually find very competent staff who are familiar with growing and preserving onions.

Grow your own wild herbs

Our Summer together (available here), is an ideal set to bring wild herbs and medicinal plants that have become increasingly rare into your home. They also grow in containers. For example, the watercress, included in the set, grows wonderfully in a seed tray.