Pokeweed berries are not safe to eat as they are poisonous. Eating several pokeweed berries can cause symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The entire pokeweed plant is toxic, with the roots being the most poisonous part, followed by leaves and stems, and then the berries. Even a few berries can be harmful, especially to children. Although some traditional recipes use the young pokeweed leaves after careful preparation (boiling multiple times to remove toxins), the berries themselves are dangerous and should be avoided. There are no safe or recommended ways to consume pokeweed berries, and contact with the plant can also cause skin irritation due to its toxins.
In summary, pokeweed berries should not be eaten due to their toxicity and potential to cause serious poisoning.
