An exciting part about early spring is the emergence of wild edible plants you may know as “weeds.” Collecting wild edible plants in the spring can be a really lovely way to connect with the micro-climate of your area and celebrate the spring season. There are a few things you should know about harvesting wild plants before you begin digging in.
TIPS FOR SUSTAINABLE HARVEST
- -Never pick or collect rare, at-risk, vulnerable, or endangered plants
- -Always identify a plant with 100% confidence before you touch, pick, or harvest from it
- -Take only what you need, leave at least 75% of what you find
- -Never harvest wild plants near roadways, powerlines, or anywhere near potentially contaminated water or soil
- -Never harvest on land without permission of the landowner
- -Consult your physician when using wild plants with medicinal properties and test for an allergic reaction to the plant before consuming it
SPRING WILD EDIBLES THAT MIGHT BE IN YOUR BACKYARD
ALWAYS consult field books or other reputable resources before harvesting or eating wild plants.
MORE ABOUT HARVESTING AND EATING WILD PLANTS
Simple Dandelion Greens Recipe from tastingtable.com
This easy recipe just calls for sauteeing your wild greens with ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
Wild Food: How to Forage and Store Wild Greens from The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora by Alan Bergo
Alan explains a few basic tips for washing, blanching and freezing wild greens.
