Where can I find a list of edible plants organized by the area where they grow, with detailed descriptions of each one?
What is the best way to practice identifying edible/non-edible plants?
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Where can I find a list of edible plants organized by the area where they grow, with detailed descriptions of each one?
What is the best way to practice identifying edible/non-edible plants?
There are quite a few folks that are knowledgable about wild edibles - I am not one of them. Some of the books give a range of where various plants grow. Some websites will do the same thing. Since so many wild edibles are considered weeds by many, take a look at this http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite.../1174084048733
Oh yeah, welcome to the forum. When you get a chance, stop on by the Intro section and tell us a little about yourself. Thanks.
My opinion.. and this is only my opinion, First thing is get he whole "edible/non-edible" part out of the equation. Identity comes first!
Now that that's out of the way, you are looking for "weeds" and "wildflowers". A search on here should turn up quite a few recommended books, links, etc to aid in identifying wildflowers. The most complete books will not have edibility info, nor recipes in them. They will have lots of pictures of lots of flowers and good descriptions of each.
Once you have identified a plant beyond doubt, THEN look up the plant either online or in one of many available "wild edibles" books out there, If it's listed in any of them, to find edibility / toxicity information.
I'm sorry there is no clear equation in the process. It is something that takes diligent study, attention to detail, an open mind, and a LOT of time. Nightshade and Wareagle may offer you more advice than I have, and probably some good books for your area. I haven't been studying plants nearly as long as they have and they might be able to help more.
And can we get an introduction over in the intro section? it'd be nice to know your age and level of experience before we go telling you to "eat the weeds"..
Here is an area specific list of poisonous and questionable species. I say questionable as many are edible. LOL! But, nevertheless it's a good site with good pics, descriptions and such. Just type in your area and search if it asks for an email address just type in [email protected] or the like.
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18076
There's also a pretty good database right here on this forum. http://www.wildcrafting.net/ Lots of good info. You can look up plants by common or scientific names. You can also plot things you find on a map so that you, and others can use them as a resource.
What I do is:
First; find a plant, shrub or tree that is very abundant in my area, and focusing on that one plant alone use all available resources to...
Second; identify it...
Third; determine if it's edible or toxic...
Fourth; determine if it has toxic impostors or look-a-likes, if so learn to identify them before proceeding further...
Fifth; determine how it's prepared, stored, and when it's harvested...
Sixth; become intimately familiar with it by following it through the seasons and finding it in different areas...
Seventh; harvest, prepare, eat, and store it!
This process is one that has taken years for me to develop. It works for me and helps me avoid looking for plants that don't grow in my area, don't grow abundantly enough to bother with, or have poor flavor. Most importantly, it prevents me from becoming poisoned. It is a process that I could not have developed without talking or consulting with others through word of mouth, e-mail, forum posts, etc., etc. It is a process that I alone cannot take full credit for, nor have the desire to do so.
Available resources are local foragers with experience and common sense, biologists, botanists, foresters and the like from local foraging groups, universities, colleges, Department of Natural Resources, etc.
Other resources are books and the internet. I try to stick to government or educational sites like the USDA, FDA, USGS, or sites that I know have knowledgable foragers with experience based on the info they provide to me and others.
Although, it's hard to know if they are experienced unless you yourself have at least some experience. So, you must use caution with books, internet, people, etc., and always verify your findings with multiple resources before proceeding further. Just because one source tells you it's safe don't stop there, re-verify with other sources to re-confirm your findings regardless of where they come from.
Some of the "books" I use are not books at all but articles written many years ago by naturalists and the like. Many are new, many are old! I have many books, over 100.
The only problem with using books and the internet is a lot of stuff will not pertain to your area. Most information focuses on the eastern part of the country where there is a greater abundance of flora and fauna. It's hard to find a good book or internet source that deals specifically with your area regardless of where you live.
That's why good local help is your best bet. And like I said that help is usually found at the university library or at local foraging groups, foresters, botanists and the like.
It can be intimidating for some to approach these people, but they usually are quite cooperative and eager to help as long as you present yourself as intelligent and not haphazard.
It can be intimidating to some to use the process myself and others use to ID food for the table. But, if you're really interested in learning what wild foods are available "it", or some version of "it", is the best process in the long run.
I hope this helps!
RCW, good outline.
Soccermiles, you got some good advice there. Even with an experienced teacher to guide you, you will still want to find the resources available in your area and pick up a few books. You are in an amazing area. You should pay attention were the wild fires have been. When they start growing back you will find some great plants to identify. Fire has a tendency to allow certain plants to thrive in the scorched soil. It would be interesting to note the difference in the plant varieties growing in the burn and the area just outside the burn.
Have fun Knowledge Grabber
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