Foraging for edible plants can be a great reason to get outside, socialize, and learn more about wild environments, and it comes with the satisfaction of sourcing your own food. The basic concept behind urban foraging is simple: search for and gather fresh food in urban spaces straight from the source – whether from trees, bushes, edible weeds, or other plants found in parks, abandoned lots, and local neighborhoods.
Not all plants are safe for human consumption, and eating the wrong plant (or the wrong part of an otherwise-safe plant) can result in illness or even death. That’s why it’s critical to research safe plants in your area and learn how to effectively identify them and their parts. Never eat a plant unless you can identify it with absolute certainty.
While you research the plants native to your area, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with their Latin names. Common names aren’t consistent across the board, and there are even instances where a plant shares a common name with a poisonous plant. Write down the Latin names of the plants you’re searching for on a particular day, and then bring along a field guide for proper identification.
Before picking anything, check with your local government for any rules regarding foraging on public land. If you have your eye on plants that reside on private property, always ask permission before foraging. Take note of what grows where and when; foraging is a seasonal enterprise.
Modern foragers can also use the Internet to identify prime foraging spots. Head to fallingfruit.org, which allows foragers from across the globe to share the locations of found fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts, to the tune of more than 800,000 entries from 50 countries. The searchable map is free to use online and the founders have also created an app for both Android and Apple.
No matter how you identify possible foraging locations, it’s important to investigate whether the area has been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides, or is located near an industrial area. Avoid plants from these areas, because they’re likely to be contaminated with chemicals that aren’t good for you. In general, try to avoid plants growing near busy roads or train tracks, or in soil that is contaminated with lead (such as at the site of a demolished house). It’s also best to steer clear of auto shops, gas stations, and factories. In contrast, empty lots or wooded areas can often be great sources for forage-friendly foods.
If you’re setting out to forage, it’s helpful to wear sturdy shoes and bring along some gardening gloves, a spade, a field guide to local plants, and a couple of reusable bags to transport your loot. Come prepared with knowledge about the best way to harvest plants so they’ll stay fresh until you get home.
Part of reconnecting with the land includes developing an appreciation for all the ways nature sustains us – and it’s important to demonstrate that appreciation by treating the earth with respect. Keep the following rules in mind wherever and whenever you forage.
Know how to identify safe plants, scout locations according to the guidelines above, avoid plants that appear to be unhealthy, and thoroughly rinse your harvest before consuming.
If you come across a small patch of a plant species, don’t pick all of the plants. Instead, leave several behind so the species can continue to grow in that location.
Do not to take more than you can use: One of the goals of foraging is to eliminate, not contribute to, food waste. On a similar note, don’t harvest the whole plant if you’re only going to use a specific part, such as the leaves.
No matter what, don’t harvest or dig up the roots of a threatened species. Feel free to remove invasive species from an area, as they’re not doing the local ecosystem any good.
Even as you digest all the serious pointers outlined above, keep in mind that foraging is ultimately meant to be exciting and fun. (Consider it the adult version of a scavenger hunt.) So get out there with your field guide and marvel at all the food nature provides – even in the concrete jungle.
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