Learning How to Find and Harvest Edible Wild Plants: Foraging for Food and Fun

Foraging is the act of wild harvesting edible wild plants. In every corner of the world, and in all climates there are foods that are edible, delicious and life sustaining. From the lowly tumbleweed to wild blackberries and tangy sorrel. There is a delicious world of wild food available to you right at your fingertips. You will be surprised what you can scrounge up right in your neighborhood. With these hard economic times upon us it may serve many individuals and families well to learn the lost art of foraging for your dinner. Money aside it is very satisfying to be able to go out and find food. A weird challenge for some of us who love plants. It may not be for everyone but no doubt your friends and family will be interested in your finds!

First you will want to find a reputable teacher who can show you what plants are in fact edible in your area. You do not want to mistake a poisonous or even deadly plant for a safe one. Always be sure of what you are harvesting is the real deal and not a poisonous look alike. Having a few field guides handy are always a good idea when identifying plants outdoors. There is also a wealth of information available on line and via You Tube! Be sure to do a Google search and find some good links and images.

Next you will likely need to gather a few supplies like a reusable grocery tote, tongs, a small knife, paper bags and essential hiking items. Scissors and pruners are also nice items to have. You might also want to start a journal of dates and places you find certain plants for subsequent years.

Whatever you do it is important to be sure not to overharvest. You don't want to deplete a whole stand of plants but take what you need and leave the rest. If you need a larger quantity of a plant take a little from various stands of plants. This will ensure the plants will go to seed and regrow next year. In native American traditions it is also a common ritual to ask before taking a plant. This honors the connection and thanks the plant spirit for it's life energy. This may sound extremely hokey to some but I have gone as far as leaving offerings such as tobacco or cornmeal myself.

Also be sure not to harvest plants from the side of the road or where they may have been sprayed with insecticide or pesticides.

Another good tip is to be sure you have permission to harvest plants if you are on private or public property. You don't want an angry property owner after you or the police because of your innocent scavenging. It's always safe to ask ahead or else at the very least learn how to forage discreetly. 9 times out of 10 no one will have a problem with it but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Some common types of wild edible plants include; curly dock, lambs quarters, chicory, chickweed, horsetail, berries, mushrooms, elderberries, pine nuts, plantain, nettles, sumac, yarrow, sweet fern, cat tails, marshmallow, violets and hundreds more. Even in the desert southwestern United States is full of edible wild plants! Many plants can be used in various ways medicinally as well. But there are many ways to cook wild plants. From wild weed salads to prickly pear lemonade and herbal wines to nettle lasagna, napolitos and fritters, there is sure to be something you will love. Foraging is an exciting activity that the whole family can get involved in. You can also propagate these wild weeds into your own home garden! As the old adage goes if you can't beat them join them!