Suburban Forager
A garden is always a great option to provide fresh food on the cheap. However there are plenty of edibles all over the ‘burbs and even in cities that remain untouched. I will share a few things I have gathered or heard about but be aware this is not a guide to identifying plants. You will need to do your own research to ensure that what you have picked is safe to eat. Be aware that even if you discover a nearby plant is edible, make sure that it has not been sprayed with pesticides.
Ripe Mulberies
Here in Illinois there are plenty of mulberry trees that seem to spit out gobs and gobs of berries that remain uneaten for some reason. They very in taste from tart to intense sweetness depending on the stage of ripeness. Be aware that the leaves and unripened berries of the plant are poisonous. There are about 6 mature trees along my jogging path and I tend to snag a few to snack on. I’ve also picked 3 pounds of berries in about 20 minutes – the trick is to hold your basket just below the branch you are picking and nudge the black, ripe berries. They will fall off quite readily.
Flowering Garlic Mustard
Around disturbed and shady areas in Illinois you may find Garlic Mustard. This is a highly invasive species and you would be doing your environment a world of good by eating it. Garlic mustard spreads quite readily so be sure not to spread any seeds when you pick them or when you take them home. The root, leaves and seeds are edible. I haven’t tried cooking these myself but I will the next time I volunteer with my local praririe group.
Dandelion leaves, flowers and roots are also edible. I won’t be linking an image because chances are, you know exactly what the little buggers look like. Just make sure the lawn you pull them from has not been sprayed with chemicals.
Click here for a website with some images of edible weeds and plants. They seem to have foraged around New York but many of the plants are spread throughout the country.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment