Wild Edible Plants Archives * The Hunter Gatherer Society

Vibrant huckleberries on the bush ready for foraging in the Pacific Northwest

Foraging for Huckleberries: A Delicious Autumn Adventure

October 12, 2024 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

Autumn in the Pacific Northwest signals the perfect time for huckleberry foraging. Huckleberries are small, round berries that range in color from deep blue to dark purple and are packed with flavor. Growing in the wild, these berries can often be found in moist, wooded areas and alongside hiking trails. When foraging for huckleberries, a few key tips can enhance the experience. First, familiarize yourself with the different types of huckleberries, such as blue huckleberries (Vaccinium deliciosum) and red huckleberries (Vaccinium parvifolium), as they vary in taste and habitat. Typically, I look for bushes at higher elevations in areas with plenty of sunlight. Uses and Preparation Methods When it comes to cooking with wild huckleberries, there’s nothing quite like the[…]

Broadleaf Plantain: The Forager’s Guide

May 18, 2023 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major) is a common weed that grows in most parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Despite its reputation as a weed, broadleaf plantain is an edible and medicinal plant with a long history of use. The plant has large, oval leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked and has a mild, slightly bitter flavor. Broadleaf plantain has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Stinging Nettle: A Nutritious Foraging Delight

May 11, 2023 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

Discover the many benefits of foraging for Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), a nutritious and versatile plant found in many parts of the world. From identifying it in the wild to preparing it for use, this guide covers everything you need to know to incorporate stinging nettle into your diet and natural remedy routine. With its high vitamin and mineral content, historical uses, and versatility in cooking, stinging nettle is a valuable addition to any forager’s repertoire.

Find and Identify Bidens Alba

May 4, 2023 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

Foragers can find Bidens Alba in many environments, including wetlands, fields, and along roadsides. Look for the plant’s distinctive seed heads, simple leaves, and bright yellow flowers to identify it.

Historical Uses of Bidens Alba

April 27, 2023 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

Bidens Alba is a versatile plant with a rich history of use across cultures and continents. From South America to Africa, and from Europe to North America, Bidens Alba has been used for food, medicine, and more. In many traditional cultures, the plant was considered a valuable resource for maintaining good health and preventing disease. Today, Bidens Alba is still valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, making it a useful and versatile plant for any botanical collection or personal garden.