I’ve always wanted to learn more about wild edibles. Every year, I think “this is the year,” and every year passes without me learning anything valuable. I could identify most of the common things: most berries, mullein, nettles, etc.; beyond that however I was at a complete loss. Using what I identified beyond the basic berries didn’t happen very often, however; because I didn’t know how. Lacking this knowledge has always bothered me, however; I did precious little to correct the situation.
This year, something changed. This summer, I’m seeing possibilities in wild edibles and I’m taking the time to identify and learn about what’s growing in our area. I’m taking walks in the local parks on my lunch breaks and exploring the woods around our home, taking photos of what I see and doing my best to identify what I can (when in doubt, I leave it be and try to get help – I’m not interested in poisoning us). I’ve been using books, the internet and friends to help in the identification. I also believe a local herbalist will be leading a few walks this fall in which I hope to particpate. I’ve found many things that aren’t quite ready for harvesting yet (including lots of berries), but I’m looking forward to harvesting and using these amazing gifts from nature.
Wednesday night as I was walking in the woods across the street from our home, I wondered a bit about what caused the shift. What was the impetus behind my being open to learning about these wild edibles? I think its because I’m finally, truly settled. Buying this home last summer, has allowed me to really put down deep roots. See before, we weren’t settled, we were always kind of searching, looking for jobs in other areas, etc. Once we bought this house, we agreed we were going to stay put.
The simple knowledge that we were staying put, has settled me. I know that this is most likely where I’ll be for many, many years. Knowing that there are no moves lurking in the background, allows me to explore and learn. I know this is where we’ll be and so I take the time to really get to know my surroundings more. Its a blessed thing, I tell ya.
All this “opening up” could also be taking place because I’m getting older, too. I don’t deny that the woman I am today at almost 35 is much more patient and willing to learn (instead of knowing it all) than the woman I was at 25. In all honesty, there’s so much about me now that I wouldn’t have recognized at 25. I’m grateful for that.
Wild raspberries found on the roadside near my office.
I hope to share what I learn here as this adventure continues. I’ll be sharing some recipes for choke cherries, thimbleberries, and more as these beauties ripen. In the meantime, please share your knowledge with me. I realize we all live in different locales with different wild things available, however; I’d love to have your suggestions for books and websites to help me learn.
July 17, 2009 at 4:35 am
I share your interest in wild edibles. I cannot claim to be extremely knowledgeable, but just try to add a little bit to my understanding of wild foods each year. I look forward to reading more about your explorations!
July 17, 2009 at 4:47 am
I love the Essential Wild Foods Survival Guide by Linda Runyon! It’s got lots of info on wild foods, where to find them, the nutrients in them, and recipes to prepare them.
http://www.ofthefield.com/html/learning_resources_3.html
July 17, 2009 at 4:57 am
Hi Kathie ~ My serious interest in herbs/wild edibles started when I was about your age. I had always had an interest in herbs/wild edibles since I was a child , but around your age was when I started really wanting to learn more , it’s been a slow progression for me. I took a wild edibles class 3 years ago that helped me become confident in identifying plants. Our Herblist/Instructor used the Peterson Field Guides , he had us purchase ” A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants , Eastern/Central North America , it’s the book I use most for identification.
I’ve started a new blog (Journal) to help me with my herbal studies , it’s listed on my sidebar at Feather Spirits under Herbal Blogs (Herbal Spirits ). It has pics of plants I’m trying to i.d , links I’ve found and anything else I deem useful about herbs/wild edibles. Hope you’ll visit soon.
~ Herbal Blessings ~
JoyceAnn
July 17, 2009 at 8:41 am
I’m older than you but can identify with your restlessness before this year. I’ve been thinking about this very thing a lot lately. Our work has taken us so many places through the years and now I wonder if we’ll ever truly feel as settled as you do now. Adventure vs settling down. I hope I don’t have to make a choice between the two.
July 18, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I feel the same way about feeling more settled. Now that we know we’re going to do whatever it takes to stay here until our “final move” I feel like I can put more of myself into my garden without feeling sad that we will be leaving it behind soon after. And I hear ya on the age thing. I wouldn’t recognize myself a few years ago either. Life is just an endless journey though, isn’t it? Just as we think we are where we want to be, we continue to grow in new directions. Hard to know where I’ll be in a few more years!
I wish we could find things like raspberries! We do have cactus pads that are edible and some of the mesquite trees planted here can be harvested. But so much of our land is stripped and the things planted in their place are usually varieties that don’t bear. So I’m looking more toward the neighbors who neglect their fruit trees completely or just harvest more than they can use. I would love to get a book to get ideas for more things. I know I can use rose hips for instance but have no idea how. And I know several things our native tortoises eat can be eaten by us too. How much of that is left in the wild (or is on protected land), I don’t know.
~Tara
July 19, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Just wanted to let you know that I have listed this post on the best of the week ‘Buddy’s Extra’. I hope it brings you lots of new friends to your wonderful blog.
Margaret
July 19, 2009 at 7:30 pm
The first year we lived here I started learning about wild foods. That was before we had animals and gardens….I am still very interested and harvest some, but can’t seem to find the time….Maybe when the kids are grown?