edible plants Archives * Page 2 of 7 * The Hunter Gatherer Society

Foraging Essentials: How to Find and Harvest Chickweed.

November 9, 2024 rpolipnick Wild Edible Plants

As a avid forager, one of my favorite plants to seek out in the spring is chickweed (Stellaria media). Often regarded as a common weed, it is a great wild edible plant. I also see it as a culinary treasure full of flavor and nutrition just waiting to be discovered. In this guide, I’ll share how to find and harvest chickweed, along with some creative ways to enjoy it in your kitchen. What is Chickweed? Chickweed is a fast-growing annual herb that thrives in cool, moist environments. Whenever I’m out foraging in the spring, I’m always delighted to spot its small, star-like white flowers, which bloom from early spring through summer. The leaves are bright green, oval-shaped, and often have[…]

Discover the Versatility of Chickweed: A Forager’s Delight

November 7, 2024 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

As the cool weather arrives, one of the easiest and most rewarding wild edibles to forage is chickweed (Stellaria media), making it a perfect plant to seek out during fall foraging. This nutritious plant is often overlooked but offers much for foragers, from salads to cooked dishes. Found across much of the U.S., chickweed is accessible to foragers of all levels, and November is an excellent time to harvest it. In this post, I’ll cover where to find chickweed, how to identify its edible parts, and some delicious ways to use it. What is Chickweed? Chickweed is a low-growing plant with small, white, star-shaped flowers. It thrives in cool, moist environments, often found in gardens, fields, and disturbed areas like[…]

Ripe autumn olive berries hanging on a shrub, showcasing their vibrant red and yellow colors against green foliage

Foraging for Autumn Olive Berries: A Personal Guide to Identification, Uses, and Preparation

October 24, 2024 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

Foraging for autumn olive berries (Elaeagnus umbellata) has become one of my favorite fall activities. These small, tart berries, often overlooked, are a delightful and nutritious find during the autumn months. Here’s a complete guide to help you identify, prepare, and store autumn olive berries safely. Growing Range Autumn olive is native to Asia but has become widely established across the United States, particularly in the eastern and southern regions. It can often be found in disturbed areas, fields, and along roadsides. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, making it adaptable to various climates and soil types. Identifying Autumn Olive Berries When searching for autumn olive berries, keep these characteristics in mind: Culinary Uses for Autumn[…]

Foraging for Rosehips: My Guide to Identification, Uses, and Preparation

October 17, 2024 rpolipnick Foraging, Wild Edible Plants

Foraging for rosehips, the vibrant fruits of wild roses, has become one of my favorite seasonal activities. These small, round fruits are visually appealing with their bright red or orange colors and packed with nutrients and flavor. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify, prepare, and store rosehips safely. Identifying Rosehips When searching for rosehips, keep these key characteristics in mind: Proper identification of the rose species is essential, as many varieties exist. A reliable foraging guide can assist in confirming the correct species. Culinary Uses for Rosehips Rosehips offer incredible versatility and can serve various culinary and medicinal applications: Preparing Rosehips Storing Rosehips Safety Tips for Foraging Conclusion Foraging for rosehips not only connects you to nature but[…]

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[…]