Foraging

  • Posted by mousehouse on October 26, 2022 at 4:34 pm

    Hello everyone,, I truly believe that foraging…being able to forage with confidence is an essential skill that we should have. I do not but I would like to learn from those that do. DO you forage if so for what where do you go if not on your own land? I am your student please be my teacher

    mousehouse replied 2 months, 1 week ago 7 Members · 11 Replies
  • 11 Replies
  • Maytag

    Member
    October 26, 2022 at 5:03 pm

    No experience to share here myself as I am also new to this, but I have had a few recommendations for the book “Nature’s Garden: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants” by Sam Thayer, so I hope to get a copy soon and give it a read as a general starting point.

  • Sojourner

    Member
    October 26, 2022 at 7:03 pm

    Hey there all, I know nothing but have been foraging mushrooms with a knowledgeable friend. It turns out that the White Mountains just an hour from the desert oasis I currently call home is world famous for diversity in fungi! I can now identify a few edible mushrooms after this and last years Forays to the forest.

    We also have what’s called Mormon Tea, a natural medicinal source of ephedrine. (Sorry no photos of Mormon tea)

  • Sojourner

    Member
    October 26, 2022 at 7:06 pm

    We forage in the nearby National forest and BLM land.πŸ˜ŽπŸ‘

    For those concerned by the regulators, I asked when I bought my firewood permit about foraging. Smoky the bear said, “No worries man.” It’s πŸ‘Œ

  • Stpdsteve

    Member
    October 26, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    I started on my own property. Found out what salsify is( I picked the flowers before they bloom and saute with butter and garlic). Also harvested clover flowers, dandelion, mint, wild or prickly lettuce and asparagus growing wild on my property when I moved here 4 years ago.

  • Observationist_Dave

    Member
    October 27, 2022 at 1:53 pm

    I started in my yard. Nettle, lamb’s quarter, broadleaf plantain, and dandelion to name a few. In addition to eating fresh, I dehydrate excess and grind it into powder like a seasoning. I label it “Forage Food” and add it to dishes near the end of cooking. Soups, casserole, etc stuff like that where I can blend in several tablespoons.

    I wish I had more confidence with mushrooms. I’ve bought books etc but the fear is real on picking rhe wrong one. I would live to harvest because I also make mushroom powder which is a fabulous addition to stews as well.

    • Sojourner

      Member
      October 27, 2022 at 2:03 pm

      Hey I hear ya on the mushrooms. I’ve found it invaluable to find a knowledgeable friend to go with!

      Of course they eat the mushrooms first and I wait and see🀣

      No really my friend has taught me so much going on forest forays with me that no book or you tube video ever could. I can confidently identify several of our local varieties now! King Bolite and Lobster shrooms were some of the easiest to start with!

      We have a saying, when in doubt chunk it out! No need to take any chances. 😎✌❀

      • Stpdsteve

        Member
        October 27, 2022 at 2:08 pm

        Yeah, I’m not brave enough for mushrooms. I did try milkweed pods this year though, and they were actually very tasty. you just have to boil all the toxins out a couple times. Was very nervous trying them for the first time though.

      • Sojourner

        Member
        October 27, 2022 at 2:18 pm

        It’s good to learn with a healthy amount of respect and caution. πŸ˜ŽπŸ‘ But not allow fear to keep us from learning these lost skills.

  • Observationist_Dave

    Member
    October 27, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    Agreed I have tried some of the shelf mushrooms that grow on trees, mostly because I have been told repeatedly that in the mid-atlantic those are safe to eat. But if it is a white toadstool looking thing? Harsh pass without an experienced mentor by my side

    • Bluesky63

      Member
      November 2, 2022 at 12:10 am

      I have found that foraging and plant ID is hard to learn unless you have a knowledgeable friend. What I started doing was planting fruit trees and fruiting bushes with metal labels so I could keep track of them.