It is not safe to eat a conker. Conkers, which are the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, contain a toxic compound called aesculin. Raw conkers are poisonous to humans and can cause stomach upset, nausea, and other symptoms if ingested. Although conkers can be processed and cooked to remove some toxicity, they have a bitter taste and are generally not considered edible. They are distinctly different from sweet chestnuts, which are edible and commonly eaten. Conkers are also toxic to many animals, including dogs and horses, though some wild mammals like deer can eat them without harm. Conkers are sometimes used for non-food purposes like crafts, natural detergents due to their soap-like saponins, and to repel moths.
Summary of Key Points
- Conkers are toxic due to aesculin and should not be eaten raw.
- Cooking or processing can reduce toxicity but taste remains unpleasant.
- Conkers are different from edible sweet chestnuts.
- Toxic to humans and many animals.
- Used mainly for craft, detergent-like purposes, and natural pest control.
Therefore, it's best to avoid eating conkers.