I have used it on all my vegetables and berries. I have eaten the strawberries and zucchini. Tasted good and no ill effects :-)
I will tell you how to kill the smell. I use a fish tank air pump. If you aerate it's good to use in 24hrs. stench free!

The linked article from the Rodale Institute summarizes some recent findings about the likelihood of e. coli contamination in compost teas. One conclusion is that if you start with e. coli-free water and alfalfa, you end up with e. coli-free tea.

Here is a link that might be useful: E. Coli and compost teas

E. Coli is a natural soil contaminant and certain strains are normal flora of intestinal tract. Not all strains of E. Coli are pathogenic (disease causing). Water source should be clean and procedure for storing tea prior to use should be hygienic. I would also be concerned about the grade of the alfalfa.

Thanks, Allison, that's good to know. You're obviously still alive... :0)

Mike, thank you for the link to the Rodale article, very interesting reading. I will make a separate batch for my fruits and veggies, using clean buckets and fresh water and 'proper hygiene'. The one I used for my roses had been sitting outside in that not-so-pristine garbage can for three weeks!

Judith

Susan, I didn't know alfalfa came in different grades! My brother picked up the bag I'm using now, and the bag has no label printed on it. The tag describing the contents is long gone. I had the pellets. What grade should I be looking for, next time I buy it? Thanks,

Judith

Feed for animals has a different level of acceptable contamination than food for humans. Call your local Ag. extension for information. and what else goes in your tea?
Sorry, my profession makes me a little neurotic. We are talking about DIRT...LOL

Don't worry, Susan, neurotic is good:) I would hate to make everybody in my house sick!

The first time I made the tea I followed a recipe from the forum, with iron chelate, epsom salts and alfalfa (I think that's all). This time, I just used water and alfalfa. I don't make manure or compost tea anymore, I just use fish emulsion and seaweed.

I will take your advice, though, and check with my Ag dept. for details on the alfalfa sold at the farm co-op.
Thanks,

Judith