Maple leaves

[Pumpkincrab]

Hi all! Today I went out and collected some maple leaves for the crabs. I'd like to bake them, to save them for throughout the year, but my parents are worried that the maple leaves will leech posionous oils into the oven, where we also bake our food.
Would it be safe to put maple leaves (pesticide free, I checked) into the oven? Would it affect our food we eat?
Thanks!

[wodesorel]

Maple leaves are completely edible for humans, if you like that sort of thing. Sugared maple leaves are a Japanese specialty this time of year.

[curlysister]

Yeah, and humans also eat Maple Syrup. If your prefer not to eat leaves, Wode! LOL!

[wodesorel]

I've been tempted to candy my Japanese Bloodgood maple a few times, just to see what it's like. It would be very pretty and seasonal at least!

[Pumpkincrab]

Thanks for the info! I baked a lot of leaves (made 3 full gallon bags!) I put some in the Crabitat and I'm not sure if they have seen it yet, lol. Hopefully they like the leaves! Seeing how much I made I'll probably collect some more and try to sell some out hopefully. The maple tree near my house dropped a load of leaves, don't want them to go to waste! And that sounds like a good idea, wode!

[CrabbyLover77]

Glad you got to bake your leaves! I bake leaves in my oven all the time. So far I have oak, maple, and white mulberry leaves all chopped up and in baggies. The crabs seem to enjoy them all. On the other hand, my Mom does not enjoy the smell of leaves getting crispy in the oven LOL. She deals with it though since it's for a good cause haha!

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

[Pumpkincrab]

Yeah, my family was a bit unhappy about the smell too! LOL

[CrabbyLover77]

Yeah, my family was a bit unhappy about the smell too! LOL

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

[Hermielover121]

What temp and how long do you guys bake your leafs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pumpkincrab]

I accidentally baked mine a bit too high of temp, but It was around 330 for 5-10 mins and they turned out well.

[CrabbyLover77]

I bake mine at 250 for 25-30 mins.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

[curlysister]

I stick mine in the oven after I have used the oven for something else. I literally turn off the oven, put the pan of leaves in there, and check it after ten minutes to see if they are 'done'. If not, check again in 5 to 10 mins. It doesn't have to be an exact science.

[Pumpkincrab]

Just as long as they turn out well, LOL.