THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO EDIBLE WILD PLANTS FOR BEGINNERS: A Guidebook to Foraging, Harvesting, Identifying and Cooking

Book Preface

INTRODUCTION
Plants are valuable food sources because they are widely available, easy to get, and, when combined properly, may cover all of your nutritional requirements. Before you eat a plant, make sure you know what it is. People have died from Poison Hemlock after mistaking it for wild carrots and parsnips. In this Edible Wild Plants Cookbook, I will provide you with all the necessary detail about serving on the edible wild plants and how to make the best recipes out of them using few simple recipes.

Consumption of wild plants is a centuries-old practice with numerous benefits. It is the same practice that gives us the understanding of fruits, vegetables, beans and other edible parts of the plants. The use of plants in our everyday routine is essential. But in case of food scarcity and lack of agricultural land, a person can also rely on wild plants to meet his or her nutritional needs. In this chapter, we will learn more about the consumption of the edible wild plants and how they are beneficial to us.
Wild Food and Weeds
History
Consumption of wild food plants (WFPs) dates back to the dawn of time. Early humans obtained their food by hunting, fishing, and gathering plants or plant parts that were safe for human consumption (e.g., stems, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves, buds, and seeds). People did not begin to settle into more permanent homesteads and domesticate plant species (mainly Carbohydrate-rich staples) until 10,000 years BC, while still engaging in hunter-gatherer activities and obtaining WFPs from the wild. For some traditional horticultural civilizations, this is still true today (e.g., the Machiguenga in South America).
What are Edible

Plants?
A plant that is safe for human consumption is considered edible. These plants are divided into several categories. The major groups of edible plants include agricultural produce and wild edible plants. Where humankind mostly survives on the locally grown edible plants, the importance of wild edible plants still remains. There are several reasons why we should learn about wild edible plants and how to consume them.
Why Eat Wild Plants?
Eating wild plants is not as straightforward as going to your backyard and selecting berries for a pie, as we detailed in our section on foraging for wild foods. It takes some research to ensure that you are eating the appropriate portion of the right plant at the right time of year, all while adhering to the rules of foraging.
You might ask why you would even want to eat wild plants before you even start understanding the basics of foraging. Society has invested years in creating gleaming supermarkets that stock hundreds of exotic and delicious fruits.
It does not get any more local than a plant that grows wild in your neighborhood! You may lace up your boots and walk the trail to gather ultra-local edible wild plants without spending a fortune at the farmer’s market or toiling all summer in a garden. It can get a bit difficult to find great food at a fair price, depending on where you live. You will have to pay for gas to go to a location where you can forage for wild plants, but not for the plants themselves. That is significant since many wild plants sell for a high price at the market!
Eating wild plants has numerous advantages:

Get your hands dirty and go outside. We have all heard about Nature Deficit Disorder and how we do not spend enough time outside. Spending time outside exploring edible wild plants is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors while also accomplishing a task. Take some time to step outside, stretch your legs, and become acquainted with the delectable aspects of your local ecosystem. Getting down and dirty with your surroundings by eating wild plants is a terrific way to do it. You’ll learn how to recognize native plants, as well as what sacred plants occur in your area. It is all part of the burgeoning field of casual ethnobotany! The best part is that learning to identify plants is now easier than ever. While you’ll want to have a firm grasp on plant identification before garnishing your spaghetti with wild flora, getting started is simple.
Except in exceptional situations, every wild plant you come across will be free of pesticides and fertilizers. Make sure to keep your food plants away from contaminated areas like roadways, golf courses, and other areas. Otherwise, you can receive free organic produce as long as you are on public land (or private land with permission). Check on private property to make sure the plants are not being harmed in any way. Even if the wild food is pesticide-free, always prepare and wash it properly.
That is right; you read that correctly. Invasive plant control is a breeze with your wild plant cuisine. Many invasive species are edible, such as Garlic Mustard and Burdock. Harvest at your leisure! Invasive organisms can be controlled by eating them (and leaving nothing behind). Make sure to properly dispose of the debris (usually in a sealed plastic bag) to prevent the invasive plant from reproducing in your compost bin — some of these guys are persistent!
Eating wild plants encourages you to try new foods and experiment with your diet. Most wild plants cannot be found in a chain grocery store, but they can give tired old recipes a fresh lease on life. You’ll find all kinds of new delicacies thanks to your foraging practice, whether you just use the wild plants as a garnish or as the basis for a whole new cuisine. Above all, eating wild plants allows you to reconnect with nature and your food. As you learn about local plants and Native American history, you’ll gain a better understanding of what is good to consume in your area. You’ll go outside, get some exercise, and possibly get a little dirty!