The roots of the manioc plant, the source of tapioca, and the leaves of the rhubarb plant, are both poisonous. How early man discovered ways to produce edible foods from these two deadly vegetables has long been a mystery.
However, the recent discovery of notes from native villages has finally revealed the methodical processes involved. Here are the actual words of the native testers. We start with the Manioc Project, conducted in early
“Okay, we boiled this stuff. And we served it to Fred and Joe. How are they doing?”
“They died painful deaths.”
“That didn’t work. Now in the second experiment, we ground the manioc root before cooking it. Jim and Mike were chosen to digest this. What was the result?”
"They're with Fred and Joe."“You know, I think if we both boil it and grind it, that it will probably render this palatable. Volunteers?”
There was a lengthy gap in the record before it was noted that this approach had worked.
Next, the committee experimented with rhubarb.
“Now, we also had a test with our rhubarb plants. We mixed the leaves with some iceberg lettuce, a few croutons and a savory dressing. That was served to the girls who are about to be initiated into womanhood. What was their opinion?”
“The initiation ceremony had to be canceled.”
“Well, what about using the plant stalks? Pie anyone?”
