Dock is a fairly common, perennial weed introduced from Europe. Found in most states in the Unites States, you’ll also find it in New Zealand, Australia, and many other countries throughout the world. It’s in the buckwheat family, Polygonacea, and often called cushy-cows, butterdock, kettle dock, curly dock, and...
Dandelions are everywhere and most people at least vaguely know how to identify them. The most common look-alike in our area is Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris radicata), but it is also edible. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is frequently confused as well, but the flowers are a blue-purple, not yellow, and it...
Pine needles are bursting with Vitamin C all winter long and can help keep your immune system up and prevent scurvy even in the worst of winters! Please do not use loblolly pine needles (3 needles), as they contain a chemical that can cause long-term health effects. Also do...
Tracks and Roots has been many years in the making. The seed was planted when I was 17 years old and knew simply that I wanted to spend my life in the woods, studying nature, writing, and practicing survival skills. Perhaps my dream wasn’t concrete enough since my parents...
Ramps are a commonly known wild edible plant especially because chefs love them for their flavor. They are like leeks are great in a variety of dishes. Special Note: Foragers have been depleting wild ramp populations in the Appalachians for many years. It takes 7 years for a ramp...
Ramps Burgers 1 lb Ground Beef1/2 tsp Kosher Salt1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper4 oz Fresh Ramp Leaves Harvest only the ramp leaves. Leave the bulbs to keep the population strong. Wash thoroughly. Chop the ramp leaves finely and add to the ground beef. Add the salt.Form 4 thin, beef...
Purslane, Portulaca oleracea, is a common garden weed. You may also hear it called pigeweed, little hogweed, fatweed, or pusley. You’ll find it throughout most of the United States, but it is native to India and Persia. It has been spread throughout most continents as a food crop. You...
It’s a little-known foraging secret even among well-seasoned foragers that maple seeds are edible. Identification: Branching: Opposite Leaves: Star-like, toothed leaves with many points. Turn a gorgeous red or orange in the fall. Bark: Smooth when young, but then turns rough with age. Seeds: Helicopter seeds in pairs. Height:...
There are few different plants found in North America that can be used to make a coffee or tea substitute. However finding caffeine can be a challenge. Cleaves are oddly enough (at least, it’s odd to me) in the same family as coffee. Yes, coffee. It’s seeds can be...
There are few different plants found in North America that can be used to make a coffee or tea substitute. However finding caffeine can be a challenge. Cleaves are oddly enough (at least, it’s odd to me) in the same family as coffee. Yes, coffee. It’s seeds can be...
Autumn olives are an invasive species commonly found on farms or roadsides. Birds love the gorgeous, fall berries, especially cedar wax wings. Some people love the berries, some find them a bit tart. They are significantly less tart and sweet after the first frost of the fall, but they...
Making gnocchi is very easy and it’s a great way to use potatoes. It just takes a little bit of time. It takes me about an hour an half. You can use gluten free flour with xanthum gum or regular flour and the results will be very similar. Wild...
Macaroons are naturally gluten free because they use almond flour rather than regular flour. They can be easily made paleo by reducing the sugar and using honey instead of refined sugar. It’s a great party treat and super fun to make. These take a bit of practice to get...
Wintergreen, also often called teaberry, grows in forests with dappled sunlight. There are several species that are all called “wintergreen” and they are all in the family Ericaceae. Oil of wintergreen is from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens. Identification Wintergreen is low growing and forms a carpet along the...
