Download 10 Wild Edibles Found (Almost) Everywhere

10
Wild
Edibles
(Almost) Everywhere
Found
Every now and then, I will ask the fans about topics they are
interested in reading about. “Wild edibles” always comes up,
without fail, and I usually gloss over it. Why? Because we all
live in different parts of the United States, not to mention
some of the fans are in Australia and the UK! There is no way
I could write an article that covers it all (that wouldn’t
turn into a book, anyway).
It is constantly requested so, I decided to take a different
route and give the fans their wish. I created a list of some
really common wild edibles that are found just about
everywhere, in most climates, and on most continents.
***Whenever you are foraging wild edibles, be 100% certain
that what you are harvesting is the plant you mean to. Many
plants look very similar and the untrained eye can be easily
fooled. The risk is simply not worth it so be sure. You can do
that by having a book with color pictures for your area or
going with someone who is experienced in foraging. Check
Facebook and other social media for like minded people you may
be able to go with and get some good hands on experience (and
make a new friend!).
Red Clover
Clover/Red Clover – Clover grows the world over! Many people
consider it more of a survival food but this wonderful little
plants is 100% edible from the leaves and flowers all the way
to the roots. The catch is that clover should be eaten fresh
or completely dry. According to EatTheWeeds.com, clover should
never be fermented, ever!
Dandelions – The fact that dandelions are edible is some
pretty common knowledge. What most people don’t know is that
the entire plant is edible. Now, I never said it all tasted
good, but you can eat everything and will get a considerable
shot of vitamins and minerals. Most people consider the
dandelion as nothing more than a bothersome weed that they
battle with every spring and summer. Truthfully though, the
early shoots are very tasty in salads and the roots can be
dried and powdered down to last through winter.
Cattails – Cattail plants are found all over the place where
there are wetlands. Around lakes, streams, swamp edges, even
in Alaska! All parts of the plant are edible, though some are
recommended to be harvested at certain times of the year for
better flavor. The roots can be powdered into flour.
Fireweed – Commonly found on the side of the road, fireweed is
a tall plant that has beautiful flowers going up the stalk.
Where I live, fireweed is everywhere. There are numerous uses
for it from fresh shoots to the making of fireweed ‘honey.’
Two things I was taught as a child from the Alaskan Native
elders who teach their culture to students: When all the
flowers are gone on the plant, it is Fall, and that you can
eat the ‘meat’ out of the stalk (not the skin, just the
middle) and it tastes a lot like celery. It is a good way to
hydrate if you run out of water.
Purslane
Purslane – Purslane is something I just learned about this
winter. Like many other edibles, this is an extremely common
plant that is considered a weed. There is reportedly more
nutritional value packed in purslane than any other ‘green’
out there. It grows everywhere and usually in large patches.
Berries – This one is kind of a no brainer but it is
surprising how many people either forget they can get berries
for free out in the wilds or, they forget that wild berry
picking is foraging! Check for what you have available locally
and be careful of several look alike berries that are
poisonous. Always BE SURE!
Nuts – Just like berries, wild nuts are all over the place.
The only difference is what variety and when to pick them (or
gather them up) in your area. Roasted nuts will last longer
than raw in most cases and is
Fiddlehead Ferns – This one has a lot of controversy
surrounding it (though people were eating them long before we
were all ‘civilized’) as there are many ferns that coil the
same as the edible ferns do but are actually poisonous.
Remember, if you aren’t sure about the identification, don’t
risk it!
Violets – Wild violets are all over place and is considered a
weed by some due to their self seeding. The flower petals and
leaves are edible raw or cooked as greens. They are more of a
spring plant as the heat of summer makes the flowers wilt and
fall off.
Basket
of
Edible
Mushrooms
Mushrooms – I hesitated to include mushrooms because of how
many are poisonous versus edible. There are more mushroom
varieties that are bad for you than good out there and the
importance of confident identification cannot be stressed
enough. Chances are good that there are some edible ones
available in your location! A quick Google search can help you
figure out what, when, and where!
SPECIAL MENTION
Coastal Areas:
Green Seaweed and Kelp
Sea Asparagus
Arid or Desert Regions:
Prickly Pear
Chia Sage
Agave
Wild Edible Sites
Eat The Weeds
Wild Edible
Mother Earth News
As with ANY foraging, be sure, be positive before you consume
or even pick anything. There are plenty of sites out there
(usually vegetarian) that have recipes and ideas on how to use
these new (and free!) ingredients in your meals and snacks.
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