Other Edibles: Wild Leeks Fiddleheads Morels Chanterelles Black Trumpets Porcini Cep King Bolete Hen of the Woods Maitake Grifola Frondosa The Forager's Wild Food Basics
For that reason, we encourage people to learn as much as they can about the interesting sciences of mycology and botany, and to read The Forager Press, LLC disclaimer before experimenting with eating wild foods on their own. Many clubs and organizations exist around the world to share knowledge and experience. Fortunately, many of the finest wild edibles are easy to identify with a little practice and the assistance of a field guide or two. These are the wild species that we focus on for your safety. It is possible however, to have an allergic reaction even to a properly identified and typically edible species. We therefore recommend that you only sample a small amount of a single new wild edible species at any sitting, reserving fresh samples in case of any possible reaction. We strongly discourage the use of any wild mushroom or plant for the purpose of intoxication. There is scientific speculation that toxic substances can build up in organ tissues such as the liver, causing potentially severe long-term damage. On the Ethical Collection of Wild Edible Plants and Mushrooms There are places where you're not supposed to pick anything or where some plants are protected. Know the rules, know where you are and respect private property. There are places that wild edibles should not be harvested for safety sake, I.E. The clearing under power lines where God-knows-what was used to kill the foliage or your neighbor's lawn who uses chem-lawn and has his house sprayed for spiders. Respect nature and she will continue to provide. Don't leave a mess and don't be a hog. If you collect a rooting plant always leave several healthy specimens and put the ground back generally as it was, filling holes and covering the disturbed areas with leaf litter so that your presence would be hard to notice. When collecting fiddle heads never take every one from a single fern. Leave about half. When Trout fishing I use barbless single hooks and usually only keep fish that have been injured. I wet my hand before holding and releasing them and am careful not to overfish my favorite "spring-holes" in the summer. I employ these basic rules out of respect for nature and of others who may tread in the same places. On Cooking and Eating Wild Mushrooms From the Audubon Field Guide Remember - there are poisonous wild plants and mushrooms that can kill you! Why Eat Wild Food? An old timer who grew and collected much of the food he ate
used to say something like this: If you are new to collecting wild foods be sure to check
out our
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