Category: Wild food

While considered a good edible by many foragers, a significant percentage of people experience gastrointestinal distress after eating honey mushrooms, even when thoroughly cooked. This makes identifying and preparing the mushroom correctly a critical step for anyone who wants to enjoy this common autumn find.

The common daisy (Bellis perennis) has been used in both food and medicine for centuries, with early herbalists recognizing its benefits. Contrary to popular belief that they are just weeds, most parts of the common daisy are edible, adding a unique flavor and visual appeal to various dishes. However, it is crucial to properly identify the plant and ensure it has not been treated with pesticides before consuming it.

Native American tribes have used the berries of skunkbush sumac for centuries to make a tart, refreshing beverage, confirming that the berries of *Rhus trilobata* are edible and safe for consumption. This versatile plant offers a citrus-like flavor and a rich history of use.

While often dismissed as a common weed, the Malva plant is a versatile and nutritious edible with a long history in both culinary and medicinal traditions. From its leaves to its roots, many parts of the malva plant are not only safe to eat but are also packed with vitamins and minerals. This guide will explore how to safely identify and enjoy this abundant wild food source.

Giant puffball mushrooms can grow up to 20 inches in diameter and are indeed edible, provided they are young, fresh, and properly identified. This immense size is a distinguishing feature, but it's crucial to understand the rules of harvesting to avoid dangerous lookalikes and prevent gastrointestinal distress from old specimens.

Over 5,300 years ago, a human mummy was found with blackthorn berries near his remains, suggesting a long history of human consumption. The deep purple fruits, also known as sloes, can indeed be eaten by humans, but not straight from the bush. Their intense astringency and the potential toxicity of their seeds make proper preparation essential for safe culinary use.

Native American ethnobotanical records indicate that certain wood sorrel species, commonly called sour grass, were traditionally used for food and medicine. The question, "Can you eat sour grass stems?" has a positive answer, but it comes with important caveats regarding moderation and identification.

While many people associate the name 'sumac' with the toxic variety, approximately 250 species of sumac exist, and knowing which type of sumac is edible is a simple matter of looking for red berries, not white. Safe species are common and provide a delicious, tangy flavor for culinary uses.

While many consider it a pesky garden weed, the leaves of certain Oxalis species are a well-known wild edible with a distinct tangy taste. This guide explores exactly what part of Oxalis is edible, offering important information on safe harvesting and consumption.

According to research published in 2021, the edible seeds of the *Sterculia foetida* tree contain a significant amount of fat and protein, but must be properly prepared before consumption. Mastering how to eat *Sterculia foetida* is essential to transform these wild nuts into a safe and tasty snack.