Wild Foods
Foraging and Safety
Some helpful info on safety when foraging wild foods is found here. See More
Edible v. Palatable
More on the topic of wild foods... Over the years, I have gone through many sources of information for wild edibles. Initially, most were academic oriented and more concerned about recording vanished lifestyles than providing practical information for current readers. The past few years have seen more information on what is available for harvesting and eating in the modern world. There is one fault I see in both information sources. There is a big difference between a food that is edible and one that is actually palatable. I have come to the conclusion that 'edible' in this context simply means […] See More
The Wild Greens of Spring
April in northern Arizona... the plant world is slowly waking up, green eager to show its face above the ground after many months of absence. Quick moving snow storms sweep across the landscape for a few more weeks, the greens teasing us with possibilities, the snow forcing us to be patient. Many people are interested in wild foods; wanting to either connect with nature, increase their nutrient intake or even ‘live off the land’. While enthusiasm is wonderful, some guidelines are essential. I want to share two of these today. The first rule is to be 100% absolutely sure of […] See More
Children and Herbs: Just Tasting Good is Not Enough
One of the challenges of children swallowing a tea, capsules or tincture is that herbs don’t taste like everyday food. Children can be reluctant enough to try something new, especially so when they already feel poorly. I have found the best way to counter this is to make herbs a part of everyday life rather than something new and strange that only happens when one is sick. Are Herbs New or Part of a Healthy Lifestyle? Use plants as spices in food or as a pleasant iced peppermint tea on a hot summer day. Make salad or pesto with dandelion […] See More