We are fortunate in the Pacific Northwest to have a diversity of plants, fruit, and fungi available at our fingertips. Here at Gather This, we want to help you find the resources you need to create and nurture an understanding of wild edible plants and to foster curiosity about the natural world.
But, before you go out and start sampling everything in sight, there are a few guidelines to consider. It's important to keep yourself and the environment safe when foraging for wild foods.
But, before you go out and start sampling everything in sight, there are a few guidelines to consider. It's important to keep yourself and the environment safe when foraging for wild foods.
Be a Good Steward
Before starting out on your foraging adventure, be sure to check the local, regional, and state regulations for the area you plan to gather wild foods in. Each public space will likely have different rules, so don't assume foraging is allowed without checking first. Don't forage on private property without permission, and if permission is granted, leave the property as you found it. Never leave litter behind. These regulations keep ecosystems healthy, and abiding by the rules gives foragers a good name.
Understand Your Foraging Ecosystem
Urban foraging will introduce you to different ecosystems, and while many of these systems will be hardy and healthy, others may have been chemically treated or exposed to pollutants. Take a walk or a guided class and get to know the area around you, the terrain, the plants, the animals, and what areas might be fragile. With a little planning you can see what the best location and time will be to forage for wild foods in your neighborhood, what plants are most abundant, and how to do the least amount of damage to plants and the ecosystem. A little knowledge can help you be a respectful and successful forager.
Know What you are Picking
Familiarize yourself with the proper identification of wild foods, when to harvest, and how to harvest. Never consume a wild plant or fungus unless you are absolutely certain you know what it is. Do not pick rare or endangered plants. Not all plants are edible at all times of year, and a few plants have toxic look-alikes. Preparation of the plant is also important, as some plants are only edible if properly cooked. If you aren't sure, consult a guide book or ask a knowledgeable forager before picking. If you don't know what it is, and you can't identify it with a reference book, leave it alone.
Take Only What You'll Eat
Only pick what you need, and never take all of the plants of any one kind in a given patch. After you've harvested, allow time for the plants to recover before you return to forage the area again. Be careful when harvesting the roots, as this means the death of the plant. If you are in doubt, don't collect.
Prepare Your Wild Foods Correctly
Take time to triple-check your identification of foraged foods. Not all wild foods can be plucked and eaten raw. Be sure to wash all of your foraged foods and remove any inedible parts before you consume them. Don’t eat a huge amount of wild edibles your first time out. Prepare a small amount and eat a few bites to see if you have any problems. Even though it may be a perfectly safe wild edible, you could have an allergic reaction to it.
Before starting out on your foraging adventure, be sure to check the local, regional, and state regulations for the area you plan to gather wild foods in. Each public space will likely have different rules, so don't assume foraging is allowed without checking first. Don't forage on private property without permission, and if permission is granted, leave the property as you found it. Never leave litter behind. These regulations keep ecosystems healthy, and abiding by the rules gives foragers a good name.
Understand Your Foraging Ecosystem
Urban foraging will introduce you to different ecosystems, and while many of these systems will be hardy and healthy, others may have been chemically treated or exposed to pollutants. Take a walk or a guided class and get to know the area around you, the terrain, the plants, the animals, and what areas might be fragile. With a little planning you can see what the best location and time will be to forage for wild foods in your neighborhood, what plants are most abundant, and how to do the least amount of damage to plants and the ecosystem. A little knowledge can help you be a respectful and successful forager.
Know What you are Picking
Familiarize yourself with the proper identification of wild foods, when to harvest, and how to harvest. Never consume a wild plant or fungus unless you are absolutely certain you know what it is. Do not pick rare or endangered plants. Not all plants are edible at all times of year, and a few plants have toxic look-alikes. Preparation of the plant is also important, as some plants are only edible if properly cooked. If you aren't sure, consult a guide book or ask a knowledgeable forager before picking. If you don't know what it is, and you can't identify it with a reference book, leave it alone.
Take Only What You'll Eat
Only pick what you need, and never take all of the plants of any one kind in a given patch. After you've harvested, allow time for the plants to recover before you return to forage the area again. Be careful when harvesting the roots, as this means the death of the plant. If you are in doubt, don't collect.
Prepare Your Wild Foods Correctly
Take time to triple-check your identification of foraged foods. Not all wild foods can be plucked and eaten raw. Be sure to wash all of your foraged foods and remove any inedible parts before you consume them. Don’t eat a huge amount of wild edibles your first time out. Prepare a small amount and eat a few bites to see if you have any problems. Even though it may be a perfectly safe wild edible, you could have an allergic reaction to it.