Wild Edibles: A Practical Guide to Foraging

From the Publisher: A Field Guide to Edible Plants

The most common definition of a weed is any plant that grows where it is not wanted. By this description, even the most magnificent flower can be considered a nuisance if it sprouts in the wrong place. The plants presented here are weeds and wild edibles with which the author has had extensive practice. The compilation is by no means absolute, as foragers will learn more about plants and discover many edibles that are not in the book. However, for the time being, the plants discussed represent a starting point for those interested in living a healthier, wilder life.

Aloe Vera—Aloe barbadensis Family Name: Aloaceae Edible: Leaves Flavor: Young leaves are mild and refreshing, while mature aloe is very bitter. Description: Aloe has green, succulent leaves filled with clear gel, growing in a compound pattern with hardy spikes at every tip. Uses: Eat young leaves (and the gel) raw or add to smoothies. Use aloe gel to treat burns and other skin ailments. Nutritional Highlight: Aloe vera is said to have antispasmodic properties, making it beneficial for people with asthma, colds, and congestion. Aloe gel also helps tighten skin and reverse wrinkles. Helpful Tips: Aloe is very nutritious and beneficial to consume, but it can be extremely bitter and unpalatable. It is recommended to add a small piece of aloe leaf to smoothies to boost their nutrition. The smaller the leaf, the less bitter it will be. ID Trick: Desert plant with long, pointy leaves full of gel.

Blackberry—Rubus allegheniensis Family Name: Rosaceae Caution: Chemical changes occur in blackberry leaves during the wilting process that can cause stomach upset. Eating fresh, tender leaves or leaves that have been fully dried will prevent mishap. Edible: Leaves, stems, berries, and flowers. Flavor: Berries are sweet if harvested ripe, while greens are mild and slightly astringent. Description: Blackberry bushes range in size from a single low-growing cane to bountiful mounds nine feet tall. Berries are pebbly and turn dark purple/black when ripe. Uses: Blackberries are edible and very delicious, with edible flowers and greens. Nutritional Highlight: Blackberries are rich in vitamins A and C, and their substantial quantity of phenolic acids, which are antioxidants, are known to prevent cancer. Helpful Tips: Blackberries are members of the rose family. ID Trick: Black or dark purple berries made up of many tiny drupelets containing juice and seeds.

Chickweed—Stellaria media Family Name: Caryophyllaceae Edible: Leaves, stems, and flowers. Flavor: Leaves and flowers are slightly sweet and juicy, while stems taste earthy. Description: Chickweed grows in a dense mat on the ground. Leaves are oval and grow in an opposite pattern along long, slender stalks. Flowers have five petals that are deeply cleft, so it looks like there are actually ten. Uses: Chickweed is a mild and delicious plant that can be eaten raw. It can be added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Nutritional Highlight: Rich in vitamins, it has been used to treat bladder, kidney, and urinary tract difficulties. It soothes irritated tissue, making it beneficial for cosmetic or topical applications. Helpful Tips: Chickweed can be easily harvested with a pair of scissors. Simply grab a handful in one hand and use the other to cut it near the base of the plant. ID Trick: Tiny white flowers with five deeply cleft petals that look like ten petals. Alternating Mohawk hairline on the stem.

Dock—Rumex spp. Family Name: Polygonaceae Edible: Leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers. Flavor: Slightly bitter and a little sour. Description: Elongated green leaves that curl at the edges. Showy clusters of seeds can be observed growing near the top of the plant. Flowers are green and inconspicuous. Uses: Leaves can be eaten raw, as well as steamed, sautéed, boiled, fried, and marinated. Seeds can be used in crackers and breads. Nutritional Highlight: Dock is one of the best sources of iron, which is great for treating constipation, blood disorders, skin disease, rheumatism, and indigestion. It is also great for cleansing the system of heavy metals. Seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids. Helpful Tips: Dock is very healing for the skin. ID Trick: Dock leaves ruffle at the edges, making them easy to spot. Seeds turn brown and rattle in the wind. In late summer, if you listen closely, you can sometimes hear dock before you see it.

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