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Books: Edible Wild Plants and Foraging
 

	Handbook of Edible Wild Plants and Weeds, Vol 1 by Fern J. Ritchie "In times of strife, economic or disaster, the need for food doesn't diminish, but the usual sources may not be available. Some wild edibles are nutritious to some degree, while others are highly nutritious. If you are really hungry, either way, they will provide food. You may learn about the food sources that surround us, and they present new possibilities for your eating pleasure. A person need not go hungry under these circumstances if there is a willingness to learn beforehand. When camping, most people take all the conveniences and necessities with them as if the wilderness was another planet. Lost in the woods, the edible things about them have no meaning. It's time to wake up to the natural possibilities available. The need is closer than you may think. One main purpose for this book, indeed, the entire Incredible Edibles Series, is that whatever situation you find yourself, there is always food available. It's always good to know what is edible in an emergency, for refreshment on a hike, a camping trip, or just as a new experience...."
	The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide for the Wild Food Gourmet by Robert K. Henderson  Unique, practical guide for the wild food gourmet! In The Neighborhood Forager: A Guide For The Wild Food Gourmet, Robert Henderson demonstrates that foraging for wild edibles is not difficult, nor does it require special equipment or traveling to some distant swamp or forest. Indeed, there is a bounty of harvestable foodstuffs to be found in the suburbs or the city. Profusely illustrated throughout, The Neighborhood Forager is organized into chapters based on plant type and is a complete "how to" introduction for the novice wild edibles gatherer covering hundreds of widespread, delicious, nutritious species of plants within easy reach of everyone. Henderson provides complete harvesting and drying tips; dyers notes for making natural dyes from plants); foraging advisors (identifying poisonous plans and "look-alikes"); more than 30 creative recipes; details on preserving and cooking; traditional and medicinal uses (with instructions for making herbal teas and other tonics), and more. From Mediterranean Turkey with Conifer Tips, Spruce Beer, and Marigold Vinegar, to Elderflower Champagne, Wild Greens Rockefeller, and Walnut Pickles, The Neighborhood Forager is a unique and practical guide for the wild food gourmet." Reviewed by Midwest Book Review from Oregon, WI
	Wild Fruits: Thoreau's Rediscovered Last Manuscript by Henry David Thoreau  "It's really about fruit!... everything you ever wanted to know about every kind of fruit the New England landscape has to offer: when it blooms, where it can be found, texture, color, everything." A reader from Richmond, VA  "After reading this book, I was much more aware of the fruits of my own native Michigan fields and woods-- blackberries, rose hips, elderberries, wild grapes, and viburnums were all there this summer, more numerous and beautiful than ever before. I found myself collecting and tasting plants I never would have thought to try before, Henry's words openened a whole new world to me. Then, in August, I made a pilgrimage to Massachusetts, looking for and tasting the fruits of New England, even the fabled huckleberries, on Cape Cod National Seashore and in the Walden Woods, as I sauntered along the railroad tracks into Concord from the pond. Even this fall, when I came back to my university in Colorado, I discovered and gathered the fruits of the prickly pear cactus, and have saved the seeds, hoping to possibly propagate them. Read these last sweet words from our friend Henry-- let him teach you to love the simple natural joy that can be found nestled among the shrub-oaks and pitch pines: our free, wild American fruits...." Brandon Zwagerman, Boulder, Colorado
	Edible Wild Plants: a North American Field Guide by Thomas S. Elias "... Wild Plants is divided by seasons, and what is edible just in case you are surviving in nature's wonderland without fast food places just three miles down the road.... The color photographs show the shapes and colors of the leaves and berries, which makes describing a meal easier. A map of the U. S. is coded to show you where the plants are likely to grow. Additionally, there are many details about the plants, such as what part to eat and whether it can be a full meal or just a salad. One of the most important details included about the plants is a list of poisonous look-alikes... I give this five stars for photography, information, and an easy to use reference book. " Victoria Tarrani CA
	The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America by Francois Couplan, Ph.D., James A. Duke  "unbelievable!  Although it lacks color pictures, it is by far the most complete listing of edible plants that I've ever seen (over 4000 plants covered) and tells you how to identify and use EVERY part of a plant from the Flower to the Leaf to the Bark to the Root (and any other part that may be usable) If your into long term survival or just want a snack on the trail, this book has it covered." Reviewed by Phil Ashman from Hamilton, Ohio
	Basic Essentials: Edible Wild Plants & Useful Herbs, 2nd Edition (Basic Essentials) by Jim Meuninck "Author's Unabashed Review.... This second edition has color photos. There are detailed recipes and identification tips. We cover Native American medicine, Chinese medicinal uses and modern pharmaceutical uses. The book is called the basic essentials because there are many edible wild plants out there that are not fit to eat! In this book I focused on plants worthy of your cooking efforts. The book, unlike others, is organized by how you stumble across wild plants: geographic context. Or, more simply, they are organized in the environment that they are found. Thus, plants in wet areas are treated separately from meadow plants. And plants of the forest have their unique section separate from the seashore and mountianous plants. Yes, we have added plants from the seashore and tidal zones as well as my favorites from mountainous areas...We didn't leave the sunbirds out either. There are several desert edible included. There is a important section on poisonous plants and poisonous look alikes. There are more recipes, better recipes and lists of my top ten favorite wild plants and my top ten favorite edible flowers. With color photos and attention to plants that are quality food (vitamin, mineral and phytochemical content) this new field guide is a great value for under ten dollars."  Reviewed by Jim Meuninck from Edwardsburg, Michigan
	A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides) by Lee Allen Peterson, Roger Tory Peterson "This book is very well written. it contains over 400 drawings and 78 color photos, to help in the identification of the mentioned plants. Each entry contains information on habitat, when they flower, a description and the uses. Also contains any applicable warnings. The line drawings are very accurate and are more than enough, when coupled with the descriptions, to be able to identify just about any plant. But if you have any doubts, check the color photos. Also, at the back of the book, it contains the various types of plants divided up into habitat, and then each habitat divided into what plants can be harvested there during various seasons. " Huntress Review, SC
	Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (And Not So Wild Places) by Steve Brill, Evelyn Dean  "This is a fantastic book. Very thorough information about finding, identifying, harvesting, preparing, and uses of edible wild plants. The plant drawings are fantastic and much easier to use than color photos. I enjoy his emphasis on finding edibles in your lawn or other "not so wild" places. Also includes lots of invaluable information on poisonous plants to avoid and poisonous "look-alikes" to beware of. He has a great sense of humor and an entertaining style. I bought the book and then had to immediately by another as a gift. I just got lunch by weeding my driveway... "  Tanya, West Chester PA
	The Foraging Gourmet by Katie Letcher Lyle  Edible plants grow wild along roadsides, in country fields, and in urban parks. All manner of leafy greens, mushrooms, and herbs that command hefty prices at the market are bountiful outdoors and absolutely free for the taking. But to enjoy them you must know how to recognize, when to harvest, and how to prepare and eat them. The Foraging Gourmet concentrates on the most commonly found of these wild comestibles, going beyond a field guide's description to provide folklore and mouth-watering recipes for each entry, such as wild asparagus pizza, fiddlehead soup, blackberry mousse, and elderberry pie. This fully illustrated guide is the perfect companion for hikers, campers, and anyone who enjoys eating the good food of the earth. With The Foraging Gourmet in hand you'll never walk through a field again without casting your eyes about with dinner in mind.
	Foraging New England: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible Wild Foods and Medicinal Plants from Maine to Connecticut by Tom Seymour Through the seasons, this forager's paradise offers a continually changing list of wild, harvestable treasures. From Beach Peas to Serviceberries, Lamb's-Quarters to Lady's Thumb, Hen of the Woods to Mugworts, Foraging New England guides you to the edible wild foods and healthful herbs of the Northeast. Organized by environmental zone, this valuable reference guide will help you identify and appreciate the wild bounty of New England. Inside you'll find: detailed descriptions of edible plants and animals; tips on finding, preparing, and using foraged foods; a glossary of botanical terms; eighty-seven color photos.
	Wild Roots by Douglas B. Elliott  "Book should be called Wild Roots from Eastern United States! First of all, I enjoy any book about plants. So I have to say that Wild Roots is a nicely illustrated book about plant roots, tubers, corms and rhizomes. But, I was dissapointed when I found that over half of the plants discussed grow in the eastern and northeastern United States. The title claims that the book is about plants that are found in North America so I expected to find a variety of information about plants in my neck of the woods, which is in the western United States. Had I known that most of the plants grow nowhere near California or the southwest, I probably would have not purchased the book. Yes, the book discusses plants which are widespread such as dandelion, wild carrot, chicory and cattail but there are several books that talk about those plants at length. I guess I was expecting to read something different. If you live east of the rockies, then this is a fabulous book about plant roots, tubers, corms and rhizomes." Reviewed by Sheri Lubin from Idyllwild, California
	Tom Brown's Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants by Tom Brown Jr.  Plant information not found elsewhere... In this Tom Brown, Jr. Field Guide, the reader is connected to plants in ways not explored in more scientific field guides. Mr. Brown shares stories, feelings and energies connected to various plants. In addition, there are medicinal and edible uses you WILL NOT find in other guides. These uses come from the Native American traditions so thoroughly explored by Grandfather Stalking Wolf and Tom Brown, Jr. himself. If you are a wild plant enthusiast, add this book to your library. If you have read Tom Brown, don't pass this one up." Reviewed by Doug Kramer from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
	Stalking the Wild Asparagus by Euell Gibbons "An American Classic from a natural naturalist... Euell Gibbons became a household word after the 60's because he did a famous cereal commercial "Tastes like wild hickory nuts." Now most of us have never chewed on hickory nuts, but we were captivated by Euell's down-home charm. And during his heyday, we were getting back to nature, being hippies, reading the Foxfire books and re-acquainting ourselves with nature after the cosmic-rocket styles of the 50's. This book is fun to read because of Euell's way of writing as if he were walking beside you in a field, pointing out the bounties of nature to you personally. His praise of the humble cat-tail, seen in any marsh or even in highway medians is nothing short of a miracle. I think he could survive on cat-tails alone for weeks. Perhaps Euell felt so strongly about wild foods because as a teen during the Depression in the Texas dustbowl, he provided for the family during a particularly lean time, by gathering wild foods to supplement their diet of mostly pinto beans. He wandered many states later on in his life, finally settling in Camp Hill, PA with his wife Freda, but he never lost his love of wild foods and his feeling that, no one need be hungry if he is a friend of nature. This book is especially poignant if you have read Into the Wild by Krakauer, the account of a young man who strikes off into the wilds of Alaska to test his mettle, and perishes from a fatal mistake in botany. I recommend all of Euell Gibbon's books, but especially this one, as it was written straight from his heart. After 30 years, it still never fails to enchant."  Reviewed byJoanna Daneman from Europe
	Stalking the Healthful Herbs by Euell Gibbons "One of Euell Gibbons best, back in print... The original "Stalking the wild..." editions went out of print some years ago and that was a shame. Nobody but a character like Euell Gibbons could write such a downhome book that passed on folk wisdom and botany in a delightful way. I actually prefer this book to "Asparagus" because it is a bit more useful. For example, if you live nearly anywhere in middle America, violet leaves pop up in your lawn and garden. They're readily available and easy to find. And he gives uses for cucumber-scented borage, which you can actually plant from seeds. This herb now is a top seller for its healthful oil-rich seeds that contain linoleic acid. If borage doesn't grow in your fields, you can put it in your herb garden. He gives great ideas for violets, borage, mint and other herbs either readily found or available to grow. Careful however; some of the wild herbs look alike; most dangerously hemlock and parsley, angelica and other members of the carrot family look alike with their feathery fronds. Best to take a course in plant identification at the local community college if you are collecting these." Reviewed byJoanna Daneman from Europe
	More Books: Healthy Natural Homes, Healing Home Decor Herbs for Health and Beauty Immortality, Rejuvenation, Life Extension, Longevity Juices and Juicing Loving Relationships and Lovemaking Metaphysics and Spirituality Natural Beauty and Cosmetics Natural Fitness, Spiritual Bodywork Natural Health and Healing Natural Remedies Organic Gardening and Permaculture Personal Growth Raw Food Lifestyle and Theory Sprouts and Sprouting, including Wheatgrass Uncookbooks Wild Food and Foraging

 

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