Wildcrafting And Foraging Means Fabulous Food And Family Fun

Wildcrafting refers to gathering one’s food from the wild. In North America, this would normally mean the woods. Wildcrafting is a skill. There are observation skills and a great deal of scientific knowledge that goes into the process. Food found in this way is apt to be fresher than what is available in stores. Not only is the food apt to be tasty, but there are many health-promoting herbs to be found via this method.

Many items can be found on public land. Nonetheless, it is important to obtain permits if required. And, obviously, never go foraging on private property without legal consent. Always carry reference manuals with you and take the time needed to become visually proficient. Some items can prove toxic if they are not identified correctly and therefore gathered under the mistaken assumption that they are a different and benign plant. This is particularly true of mushrooms.

Wildcrafters are walking in the footsteps of native people’s who have foraged for years and should implement their same sustainable practices. Don’t over-strip the plants. Not only do they need to survive for future seasons, but they need to provide sustenance for the local wildlife. It’s also important to know that some plants are endangered.

Key Takeaways:

Wildcrafting requires extensive study and preparation, and you should always have guides on hand while doing it, because misidentifying plants can have very serious consequences.
You also need to make sure that the plants you are picking are not protected or endangered and that you are legally allowed to forage where you want to.
Bring any supplies you need – alcohol, vinegar or glycerin for tinctures, cooking equipment, etc – with you to the wilderness.

“Gather at the correct time of the day and year. Above ground plant parts are ideally gathered in the late morning or early afternoon. Medicinal properties are stronger at those times. Dew has had time to dry so plants are less likely to decompose or mold.”