Sprouts are very difficult to wash compared to a vegetable with a smooth, large surface area, DeFrates explained. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. And keep potatoes away from onions. Sprouts may also help you keep your blood sugar under control. Despite being low in calories, sprouts are a rich source of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. That's why it's best to monitor the appearance of the potatoes you're storing (see below for more on how to store potatoes). Some sprout lovers prefer to grow their own at home. Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? How about when my onion is sprouting? However, not all studies agree (9, 11). Policy. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Is it safe to eat potatoes that have sprouted? D., a certified specialist in poison information, on Poison.org, solanine and chaconine can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, headache, brain fog, redness or a flushed complexion, confusion or fever. All you need is 5 ingredientsaside from pantry staples like salt, pepper and oilto make one of these delicious meals. This minimizes the chance of mold and softening if you cannot use the taro right away. If your carrot sprout develops into flowers that in turn develop into seeds, you may have just created an endless supply of carrot plants. Place the carrot tops upside down in a shallow container with water. Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry, cupboard, or cellar. Eating a variety of them is good for your health. While it's fun to use old standbys in more interesting ways (like roasted parsnips with pistachio and lemon), it's important to eat root vegetables judiciously. Whenever garlic or onions sprout I just plant them and use the greens instead. Copyright 2022 Hi Encyclopedia. Sprouts carry essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and are a great source of antioxidants, saysIlic. Taro is basically inedible when rawit can reportedly cause irritation and itchiness. Similar results have been observed in humans. This can happen under the right conditions, which include warm temperatures, humidity, light, and sitting for long periods, says registered dietitian nutritionist Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN. is it safe to eat sprouted taro Finally, sprouted beans, grains, vegetables, nuts and seeds contain lower amounts of antinutrients than their un-sprouted counterparts. By itself it does not have much flavor, but it readily absorbs the flavor of sauces, such as curries. Can airtags be tracked from an iMac desktop, with no iPhone? Potatoes are incredibly popular worldwide, but they've managed to stir up some controversy. Why Is It Not Safe to Eat Sprouted Potatoes? Whats the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes? Taro is a dense and starchy vegetable used often in Asian cuisine. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. weather radar marion, ky is it safe to eat sprouted taro. Furthermore, peeling and frying may help reduce glycoalkaloid levels although boiling, baking, and microwaving appear to have little effect (1, 5). Are they still safe to eat? Posted by 06/10/2022 ghana gold scammer on is it safe to eat sprouted taro 06/10/2022 ghana gold scammer on is it safe to eat sprouted taro Raw or undercooked eggs. 20 Healthy 5-Ingredient Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less. Its best to avoid stockpiling potatoes, and you may want to store them away from onions. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Sprouts are healthy additions to your diet, but what are the risks you need to be aware of? Is it poisonous. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Taro should not be refrigerated as refrigeration makes it take longer to cook. BONUS! Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. It has more fiber than a potato and is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin E, B vitamins and trace minerals [source: Erman]. However, keep in mind that they are also associated with a risk of food poisoning. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. The short answer is yes. Harvest the tender new leaves regularly; older leaves develop a stronger flavor and may become bitter. For instance, you can eat them raw in a sandwich or tossed into a salad. Eating too many carbs in one sitting can spike your blood sugar. Potatoes are safe to eat, even after they've sprouted, so longas they are still firm to the touch and they don't look too wrinkly and shriveled. One issue often linked to eating sprouts is the risk of food poisoning. "They are so high in carbohydrates that they are more like grains than greens. Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Some have nutrients in surprisingly high amounts. And is it safe to eat them? Raw or undercooked greens and sprouts. And, "to maintain . Sprouts are very nutritious. It makes more sense to put them in the same category as breads, rice, or pasta," says dietitian Teresa Fung, adjunct professor in the nutrition department at the Harvard T.H. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. And, no, Brussels sprouts arent part of these sprouts. Most root veg like potatoes is fine to eat - I usually just pick the shoots off. 7 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Potatoes. This article takes a comprehensive look at the benefits and dangers of eating raw sprouts to help you decide whether they should make an appearance on your plate. "Colder temperatures lower than 50 degrees cause a potato's starch to convert to sugar, resulting in a sweet taste and discoloration when cooked," Harris-Pincus adds. Don't keep them in sealed plastic bags because they can cause moisture which triggers sprouting. People eat both the leaves and roots of the taro plant, but you never eat them raw. However, sprouts are also frequently linked to cases of food poisoning, which makes people question whether the potential benefits are worth the risks. No poison, but the taste of consumption is not good, do not eat. After new roots appear, plant the turnip in a rich, loose potting mix. The fact that sprouts are generally consumed raw or only slightly cooked adds to this risk. I Took the Wait It Out Approach With My Picky Eater & I Have Zero Regret, Potatoes gone green: Why it happens and when you should avoid them, 10 superfoods and how to squeeze them into your diet, Tabitha Brown Just Shared Her Favorite Plant-based Substitute for Seafood & Its SurprisinglySimple, The Pioneer Womans One-pot Homemade SpaghettiOs Are Delicious Enough for Adults To Love,Too, Martha Stewarts Super Simple Eggplant Parm Skips the Messy Frying, but Keeps theFlavor, How to Watch the New Season of Ina Gartens Show, Be My Guest forFree, Martha Stewarts One-pot Chicken & Mushrooms With Bacon Cream Sauce Is a Surprisingly Simple WeeknightMeal. To help your potatoes last longer, keep them loose and in a dark area at room temperature (for example: a wire basket in your pantry). The reason raw sprouts. Thanks for contributing an answer to Seasoned Advice! Carrots, onion, and garlic arent dangerous when they sprout but they use their sugar reserves to make the sprout. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts). Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself is to toss out potatoes containing green patches or sprouting. Such symptoms are rarely life-threatening. All Right Reserved. Inspect potatoes at the grocery store for physical damage or spoilage prior to purchasing them, suggests Al Bochi. Wild parsnip roots are edible, but the fruit, stems, and foliage contain high concentrations of toxic chemicals called furanocoumarins. Add a comment | 10 While root vegetables are generally safe, if somewhat past their prime, when sprouting, potatoes are an exception to this. Place the turnip top with the cut side down in 1 inch of water and set it in full sun. There are, too, canned bean sprouts. Researchers also note that rats given sprouts may benefit from blood cholesterol improvements similar to those resulting from taking the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (18). Harris-Pincus says, "Excess exposure to light causes a buildup of the solanine that turns the skin green.". Here's what you should know before cooking that green or sprouted spud. Is It Safe To Eat Sprouted Potatoes? In another, germinating beans until their sprouts were 5 mm long increased their total fiber content by up to 226% (11). Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, andmore. "However, the tomatoes may not actually taste their best . This can cause the potatoes to produce a natural toxin called solanine, which is concentrated in the green parts of the potato.. And when that happens, there are often toxins present. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Are they poisonous? Styling contours by colour and by line thickness in QGIS, The difference between the phonemes /p/ and /b/ in Japanese. Root vegetables are still fresh whole foods that contain many vitamins and minerals. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Sprouted potatoes contain higher levels of glycoalkaloids, which can be toxic to humans when eaten in excess. More: 10 superfoods and how to squeeze them into your diet, Tips for safer purchasing and handling of sprouts, When purchasing sprouts, look for them in a refrigerated section that is maintained at or below 40 degrees [F]. Since they grow well in cool weather and can be harvested into winter, they tend to be popular in northern countries.How to Grow Rutabaga. Some studies indicate this may be partly because sprouting appears to reduce the total amount of carbs in sprouts. It can also be fried as chips or fries. Summary Sprouts are seeds that have been allowed to germinate into young plants. Eating sprouted potatoes during pregnancy may also increase the risk of birth defects. In small amounts, glycoalkaloids may offer health benefits, including antibiotic properties and blood-sugar- and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, generally speaking, the sprouting process increases nutrient levels, making sprouts richer in protein, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and vitamins C and K than un-sprouted plants (1, 2, 3). Fung says that, if youre healthy, you can probably eat one serving of root vegetables every day. Many different types of seeds can be sprouted. You can find sprouts pretty much wherever you find food, particularly grocery stores and farmers markets. June 11, 2022 Posted by: grady county, ga zoning map . According to Ilic, the best way to safely enjoy sprouts is to cook them. Examples include bulbs (fennel, onions), corms (celery root, water chestnut), rhizomes (ginger, turmeric), tap roots (beets, carrots, parsnips), tuberous roots (sweet potatoes, yucca), and tubers (potatoes, yams). Taxi Advertisement; Bus Advertisement; Truck Branding; Lamppost The bulbs, roots, and tubers absorb water and nutrients to feed the rest of the plant. Rutabagas are in the mustard family and are a cross between turnips and cabbage. If you're looking for easy ways to eat root vegetables, try them boiled, mashed, baked, roasted with a little olive oil, or tossed into soups and casseroles. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Sprouts are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, varying from sprout to sprout. If the seeds happen to be contaminated with bacteria, they can cause food illness regardless of where they are grown., Ilic says, Once you have fresh sprouts home, they should be chilled and stored in a refrigerator that can keep them at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.. Simply put: Erin McDowell's baking recipes are the best. It turns out the way theyre grown is part of the problem. What are the top 20 healthiest foods? Trying to understand how to get this basic Fourier Series. Fung says that, if you're healthy, you can probably eat one serving of root vegetables every day. Or maybe you top a baked potato with sour cream and bacon bits. Despite these encouraging results, its worth noting that few studies appear to exist on this topic. They are delicious, consistent, and always well written. The scientific name for the potato is Solanum tuberosum . When potatoes sprout and have green spots, it usually means that they have been exposed to light for an extended period of time, says Minwei Xu, assistant professor in the plant science department at North Dakota State University, and member of the Institute of Food Technologists. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin A, with 1,069 mcg in a cup of chopped raw carrots. Avoid storing potatoes in areas that are exposed to light or heat, such as on a sunny windowsill, near a stove or oven, or in the refrigerator, says Xu. All Rights Reserved. Why are Suriname, Belize, and Guinea-Bissau classified as "Small Island Developing States"? First, check the color of the taro root. The carrot family (Apiaceae) is an amazingly diverse and interesting group of plants. It is particularly popular in Hawaii where it is used to make the classic dish poi. However. Keep them in a breathable container that allows air to circulatelike a paper or mesh bag, basket, or cardboard box. These little spuds pack plenty of health benefits and are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Taro can be used in both sweet and . Why are trials on "Law & Order" in the New York Supreme Court? This means that sprouted potatoes can be toxic to humans and dangerous to consume. A good taro root should have smooth, thin skin without any bumps or bruises. "Fresh potatoes should not look sprouted or have any green hue on the skin," says Harris-Pincus. And keep potatoes away from onions. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. The shoots, and any green parts of the potato are . Each one contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Root vegetables are low in calories and high in antioxidants. Don't keep them in sealed plastic bags because they can cause moisture . is it safe to eat sprouted taro. Some people even grow their own. Until then, discarding sprouted or green potatoes may be the safest thing to do. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Hi Encyclopedia. Here's What Experts Say. By itself it does not have much flavor, but it readily absorbs the flavor of sauces, such as curries. rev2023.3.3.43278. Taro skins are often brown and sometimes hairy, so look carefully for mold as it might be hard to spot. Youre hankering for a baked potato or whipping up a sheet pan dinner. Taro contains a variety of trace elements, which can enhance the immune function of the human body, and can be used as a common medicinal staple food for the prevention and treatment of cancer. is it safe to eat sprouted taro. Skip links. On the other, many warn that sprouted potatoes are toxic and cause food poisoning and potentially even death. The following tips should help you further reduce the risk of contamination: Sprouts can be eaten in a variety of ways and are easily incorporated into a variety of dishes. Most sprouts youll encounter fall into four categories: Some of the more popular sprouts include alfalfa, mung bean, red clover and broccoli. The simplest answer to that is yes. Sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness . She wrote a travel book for Random House and for sites including WebMD, CNN, & Treehugger. Sprouted garlic is absolutely safe to eat. Can I eat sprouted potatoes? Can electrical brain stimulation boost attention, memory, and more? But when theres too much of these compounds, they can be toxic. They can add a crunch and even a different flavor besides those health benefits. Last medically reviewed on March 13, 2020, Raw potatoes keep for a long time, but cooked ones spoil faster. The seeds themselves can harbor bacteria that cause food poisoning, Defrates told us. You should leave at least an inch of the stem intact. For instance, she says, "Broccoli sprouts will be loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid and they are a really good source of the powerful antioxidant sulforaphane.". Learn more about what to eat and drink after food poisoning, as well as foods and, Food poisoning is extremely common, but its symptoms and severity can vary, making it hard to identify. The secret is using atypical cooking methods (such as braising, barbecuing, or searing) and then pairing the vegetables with interesting flavors. According to Diana M. Pei, Pharm. Everything you wanted to know about sprouts. "Just make sure it's a side dish or part of another dish, and that it's the only starch on your plate," she advises. Their wispy, curled shape creates problems too. Home; About Us; Outdoor. The green portions of a potato are toxic (not enough to be scary but I've heard they will make you sick if you eat enough). The appearance of sprouts matters, too. The best storage temperature is 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, says Dandrea-Russert. Sprouted garlic will have bright green or bright yellow shoots that are in the center of the cloves, and sometimes will poke out of the top of the cloves. Policy. Because Rutabagas are biennials, if you plant the Rutabaga, ultimately you will get a big bushy plant and a flower stalk, and possibly seeds so that you can grow even more rutabagas. Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe? Cooperative Extension, this is also known as vivipary. Takeaway. If the flesh of the taro is generally firm, you can cut off any small brown spots on the flesh prior to cooking. It is best to store taro in a well-ventilated place in your kitchen such as a hanging produce basket. Thats mainly because sprouts may reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol levels. All rights reserved. Depending upon whom you ask, parsnip greens range from poisonous to just not good tasting. Planting it again will not provide another root to harvest, so just cut off any growth and use the root as soon as possible. Avoid high temperatures, keep them away from kitchen appliances and make sure they're away from direct sunlight (read: your countertops might not be the best spot for your spuds!). If my rutabaga sprouts in storage, should I plant it again? Purchase your taro as close to the day you plan to cook it as possible. These risks are further compounded by the fact that many prefer to eat sprouts raw which means no cooking process to kill off any bacteria. What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. All Rights Reserved. Health problems linked to eating sprouted potatoes range from stomach upset to heart and nervous system problems, and, in severe cases, even death. It is much more nutrient-dense than most commercial breads on the market. What else can they be used for and what are the benefits and risks of eating them? The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Just remove the sprouts (and any soft spots) and your potato should be fine to use. See a table listing 24 causes, get prevention tips, and. Why do small African island nations perform better than African continental nations, considering democracy and human development? Sprouts: Youve probably encountered them before on a salad or a sandwich and thought little about them. Sprouts . This does not guarantee that the product was not contaminated in the field, however., That said, It is advised that anyone with a compromised or weakened immune system, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and anyone on immunosuppressant medications, avoid raw sprouts.. The short answer is yes. You definitely want to be more careful if you plan on eating potatoes with the skin on in general, as that's where toxins reside. Hence, discarding the sprouts, eyes, green skin, and bruised parts may help reduce your risk of toxicity. Sprouts require a warm and humid environment to grow, which is the perfect environment for bacterial growth, DeFrates told SheKnows. Avocado. Yes the greens are edible. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Can I eat sprouted taro? 1. One issue often linked to eating sprouts is the risk of food poisoning. Apr 20, 2020 at 1:22. Even after sprouting they can still have usable parts for some time. They are high in nutrients and low in calories. 5 Vitamins You May Need More of and Where To Get Them. Theyre also said to improve your digestion and blood sugar levels, and possibly even fend off heart disease. Potatoes are a nutritious and versatile type of produce (from fries to mashed, they're delicious in all forms). It only takes a minute to sign up. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. This article tells you precisely how long potatoes last and explains signs of, While eating raw potatoes may be linked to several benefits, there are also some safety and nutrition concerns to consider. In addition, sprouting appears to reduce the amount of gluten found in grains, which may make them easier to digest, especially for people sensitive to gluten (17). But its not just that. The soaked seeds are then exposed to the right combination of temperature and moisture, and allowed to grow for two to seven days. The answer is yes! The fact that sprouts are generally consumed raw or only slightly cooked adds to this risk. This article takes a close look at mold in food and whether. Beansprouts and wheatgerm are more common examples of this, but it holds equally for any bean or lentil. Taro root is a starchy root vegetable, the recommended daily intake for roots and tubers is 5 to 9 servings. They are found naturally in plants like tomatoes and eggplants too. Potatoes are a little different. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. Other interesting uses for sprouts include blending them into smoothies and pancake batters, or grinding them into a paste to spread on bread, crackers or vegetables. Antinutrients are compounds in foods that reduce the absorption of other nutrients. Will Taking Supplements Improve Your Prostate Health? Sprouts have a few unique traits that make them particularly vulnerable to bacteria. When theyre harvested and packaged for sale, theres the chance of a foodborne illness being passed that way, too, if the people who handled them didnt practice good hand hygiene.. It shares this property with many of its relatives in the carrot family. Sprouts are generally consumed raw, but may also be lightly cooked before you eat them. Minimising the environmental effects of my dyson brain, Euler: A baby on his lap, a cat on his back thats how he wrote his immortal works (origin?). Seasoned Advice is a question and answer site for professional and amateur chefs. The onion and garlic might get a little mushy after they sprout, but they are not poisonous or toxic and wont harm you. Discarding the sprouts, eyes, green skin, and bruised parts of a potato, as well as frying it, may help reduce glycoalkaloid levels, but more research is needed. Sprouts have a few unique traits that make them particularly vulnerable to bacteria. Consider barbecued carrots with yogurt and pecans, miso-glazed turnips, or Jerusalem artichoke with shallots and toasted hazelnuts. It's worth cutting away the green parts if the potato isn't soft yet. Here's what the research says about this nutritious and versatile type of food. And that makes them appealing to a lot of people.. There are also many recipes for carrot plant pesto. Its scary, because I eat sprouts a lot. What is the best way to store prepared raw vegetables. With a little imagination, you may soon find root vegetables a lot more interesting. Featuring corn muffins, challah rolls, and parcel pies. Reduce your risk of getting sick from sprouts. What other vegetables can I roast with asparagus? It mainly depends on the vegetable. The most glycoalkaloids are found in the potato sprouts, green skin, and "eyes." The green part is chlorophyll, a naturally occurring compound in plants that happens when they are exposed to light. This article reviews the main differences between sweet and regular potatoes and provides. Here's a detailed look at potatoes and their health, Sweet and regular potatoes are incredibly popular tubers. Potatoes that have sprouted are still OK to eat, but only once you've removed the sprouts . Salmonella food poisoning is one of the most common types of food poisoning. Most sprout seeds are grown in warm, humid conditions which are conducive to bacterial growth. There are, however, toxin concerns with potato sprouts, so you need to . A cup of mashed turnips has 51 calories and 76 milligrams (mg) of calcium as much calcium as half of a slice of cheddar cheese. And, to maintain the quality of the sprouts during transportation, they are bagged with water, which can harbor bacteria.. But when you reach into the bag, the potatoes have sprouts and a greenish tinge. For instance, in one study, grains allowed to sprout for five days contained up to 133% more fiber than un-sprouted grains (15). How do I connect these two faces together? There are some ways to make sprouted potatoes safer, but in general, the U.S. poison control center recommends that you play it safe and throw out any potatoes that have sprouted. A simple inspection of taro before cooking help to determine if it is still good to use or if it has spoiled. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. The good news is the sprouts are safe to eat. "If you do have extra, store them in a cool, dark place and make sure to keep them away from onions, which release gases and can cause potatoes to sprout faster," she adds. Alison Bickel | Art Banner Credit: Elena Resko, The 5 Best Trader Joes Snacks Ever, According to a Food Editor, The Best New Thing I Bought at Trader Joe's in February, 5 Easy Weeknight Dinners That Start With This Popular Trader Joes Salad Kit, This Trader Joes Dessert Is Definitely Worth the Hype, An A-Z Guide to Cooking Terms and Definitions, Celebrating Jollof Rice and Its Journey Across the Atlantic. Proton-pump inhibitors: Should I still be taking this medication? In comparison, those given lower amounts of broccoli sprout powder or none did not benefit from significant changes to their levels of triglycerides or HDL cholesterol (20). 3 Tips - How to know if the Sprouts are good and safe to eat or not. In other words, don't have a serving of rice and a serving of sweet potatoes. Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted grains and doesn't contain added sugars. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Theres also the appeal of what they can bring to your meal. Skip the big bags and buy potatoes only when you are ready to use them. Everything You Need to Know About E. Coli Infection, What You Need to Know About Food Poisoning, Its Causes, and Treatments. It is best to throw it away.. The green hue actually comes from chlorophyll, which isn't toxic, but its green color is a good indication that there's excess glycoalkaloid concentration and that you'll want to toss the potato out. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The answer is yes! In addition to sprouting, physical damage, greening, and a bitter taste are three signs that a potatos glycoalkaloid content may have risen dramatically (1). Still, some root vegetables have fewer carbs than others. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. Although removing green spots and sprouts reduces glycoalkaloids, it doesnt mean theyre completely gone. They do have a tendency to taste a bit bitter, however. All rights reserved. Although they are not poisonous after they have sprouted their nutritional value is somewhat depleted. Recipes like our Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms and Teriyaki-Glazed Cod with Cauliflower Rice are healthy, tasty and easy choices for any night. Eating raw or lightly cooked sprouts, such as alfalfa, bean, or any other sprout, may lead to food poisoning from Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? If the potato has only a small green spot, you can simply cut it off along with any sprouts before cooking, says Xu. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Chan School of Public Health. But they're big celebrities in a number of cuisine trends like the "vegetable forward" movement (which elevates vegetables into creative entrees and side dishes) and root-to-stem cooking (which uses every part of a vegetable, including the tops, stems, and skins). What sort of strategies would a medieval military use against a fantasy giant?