How To Learn Edible Plants

By: Dave Sharpe
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:26:00
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Many moons ago, I studied edible plants with an expert. Maybe you know someone like her, the person that goes through the woods browsing and grazing--blithely munching away at the buffet that the rest of us call a hiking trail.

During those studies, I learned to identify a lot of edible and medicinal plants. But probably the most valuable lesson was on how to learn the individual plants. It's a deceptively simple process, but could end up saving your life if you're ever thrust into a survival situation.

First, find a good field guide that teaches you about the dangerous stuff. Peterson's Field Guide to Venomous Animals & Poisonous Plants is a good place to start. Spend some time learning about the poisonous plants in your area. Learn to recognize them in all seasons and in all forms. Then stay away from those plants!

Second, get a good, reputable guide to edible plants. Again, Peterson's (Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants) is a good place to start.

Now, go through the field guide and make a list of all the edible plants found in your area. If you wish, you can prioritize the list by listing the most common species first, less common species further down the list.

Choose a plant to start with. For the next week, this is your plant.

Every day for the next 7 days you will look at the picture and read the description. After looking at the field guide, close the book. Close your eyes and try to picture the plant in your mind. Then, open your eyes and sketch the plant. If you can't draw, then write out a description that is as thorough as you can make it. This daily process shouldn't take more that 5-10 minutes. Don't make it difficult.

At the end of the week (or any day that works for you), go outdoors and collect some of the plants you are studying. Take it home, prepare it, and yes, eat it!

In one year, you will have intimate knowledge of 52 edible plants in your area. You'll have extra confidence, knowing that if you get lost, you won't go hungry!

Dave Sharpe writes about Urban & Wilderness Survival, Disaster Preparedness and Self-Sufficiency at www.TheBugoutBag.com

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Recreation & Sports category

  • Get Delightful Experience From Every Type Of Ticket - By: Azeem Ashraf
    If you are one of those people who want to get exciting atmosphere all the time then you shouldn't miss to watch sports, musical and theatre shows which provide enthusiastic effect on the minds of keen spectators.
  • Why is Belly Dancing so Popular? - By: Joshua Safee
    Belly dancing becomes more and more popular. And many dance studios and even some colleges offer classes in it. This article will give you an inside view of this type of dance.
  • The 80's Dance Moves make a Return - By: Joshua Safee
    The 80's were definitely a great time out there. Today the dance moves of that era are making a come back. This article will let you know what is happening.
  • What is Contra Dancing? - By: Joshua Safee
    You may have heard the term contra dancing out there, but not really know what it is. This article will introduce contra dancing to you.
  • Line Dancing is Fun for all Ages - By: Joshua Safee
    There are many types of dance out there. Line dancing is one of them that is fun for all ages. This article will introduce this kind of dance.
  • Make Extra Money giving Skateboarding Lessons - By: John Pauls
    Many people out there are looking for ways to make extra money. If you have a passion of skateboarding, you can offer lessons to other people. This article will give some ideas about holding good skateboarding lessons.
  • Check Out The Most Winning Titles Of Los Angeles Lakers - By: Azeem Ashraf
    Los Angeles Lakers are the dominant team of National Basketball Association. This team has been formed in 1946 and after that they have shown the whole world, what exactly basketball match is!
  • Seattle Seahawks The Devoted American Based Team - By: Azeem Ashraf
    Since 1976, Seattle Seahawks remained in good books of their fans. This team has outstanding playing record as they have got six division titles.
  • Chicago Bears Rock The Whole World - By: Azeem Ashraf
    No one is as stronger football champion as Chicago Bears are. They know how to tackle with the game and they don't have to be panic, when they see that match is turning against them.
  • San Diego Chargers Having Bright Future Coming Their Way - By: Azeem Ashraf
    Sang Diego Chargers is an outstanding team across the world. They had played well in the past and made spectacular history.