Spruce Tip Infusions

Spruce tips (Picea spp.) are an awesome spring-time treat! The new growth of the tree, they are tender, bright green, and pack a citrusy punch. The flavor is really surprising; it seems more like something you would find in a tropical climate than in the cold north. However, it doesn't last long— as the needles grow older, they harden and develop their characteristic resinous taste. They are probably out of season in most areas right now, but if you live in a colder climate (like me!), chances are you can still find tips that are young enough to pick.

RecipesMaria W.June 9, 2018recipes, plantComment

Dandelion Root Coffee

I love dandelion "coffee!" As someone who is overly sensitive to caffeine but loves the taste of coffee, this roasty drink comes close enough to satisfy my craving.

If you’re looking for something that tastes exactly like coffee, prepare to be disappointed. However, if you want an earthy drink with numerous health benefits, try this one on for size!

RecipesMaria W.May 3, 2018recipes, plant, edible, medicinal Comment

Crabapples: The Winter Sweet-Tart

I'm always surprised to learn how few people know about crab apples. They grow everywhere, but when I pick and one, I hear reactions like, "I thought those were poisonous!" "I didn't know crab apples grew in the city!" "Those are APPLES? I thought they were BERRIES!"

So I'm here to set the record straight!

Edible PlantMaria W.March 31, 2018edible, fruit, plant, identification Comments

White Pine Vinegar

Infusing vinegar is an easy, safe, and fun way to preserve foraged items for future use. It also draws flavor from materials that you couldn't otherwise eat, perhaps because they are too tough or fibrous. Pine needles are a perfect example! You probably wouldn't want to eat them straight off the tree, but the citrusy, resinous flavor is an excellent addition to salad dressings, drinks, marinades, soups, and more. Furthermore, pine needles are high in vitamins A and C, and prevent and treat coughs and colds. But before we get into the infusion process, let's learn how to identify and find pine trees.

RecipesMaria W.February 5, 2018edible, medicinal, recipesComment

Yew: The Hedgerow Poisoner

Yew (Taxus spp.) is a good example of why eating samples of unknown plants is not always a safe practice. This shrub is commonly planted in front of houses, apartments, and businesses; however, nearly every part of the plant is extremely toxic. Just a few berries can lead to serious poisoning or even death. But don't let that scare you away from wild edibles! Yew is easy to differentiate from edible evergreens, as long as you pay attention to key identification features.

Poisonous PlantMaria W.January 17, 2018identification, poisonous Comments

Be Right Back!

Sorry for the lack of posts here! I have been super busy lately, mainly because of the approaching holiday season. I will post here sporadically as I am able, but will return to regular posts after New Year's!

Thanks,

Maria

UpdateMaria W.November 17, 2017updateComment

See Ya Soon!

Hello All!

I've decided I'm going to take a short break from writing blog posts while I work on my Indiegogo campaign. I have so much to do and feel swamped, and unfortunately that means this blog is going to be on hold for a while. But I will return in October! Never you fear!

Thanks,

Maria

UpdateMaria W.August 31, 2017updateComment

Indiegogo Campaign

UpdateMaria W.August 26, 2017update, fundraiserComment

Yarrow: An Herb for What Ails Ya

It is no understatement when I say that yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is one of my all-time favorite herbs. Over the years, I've used it for many purposes: healing wounds, fighting infections, breaking fevers, aiding digestion, easing painful menstruation, and more. It's a common plant that's easy to find in rural and urban environments-- a gift of healing that's free for the picking!

Edible PlantMaria W.August 21, 2017medicinal, plant, identification Comments

Plum Chutney Recipe

Okay, so I know that plums aren't technically a wild food. But there is such a thing as wild plums (Prunus nigra and Prunus americana), and they will be in season soon in the Twin Cities area! Also, I tend to lump gleaning in with foraging. ("Gleaning" is the act of harvesting leftover or second-rate fruits or vegetables from farms or gardens.) And I gleaned these plums from my friends' yard! Furthermore, domesticated plants often grow feral in fields and forests: apples, asparagus, pears, and parsnips are commonly found in the wild. Finally, I think it's silly not to take advantage of an abundant food source strictly because it isn't wild. Falling fruits abound both in urban and rural environments, and I love harvesting them, eating them, and getting other people excited about them! So here you are-- a plum recipe!

RecipesMaria W.August 10, 2017fruit, recipes, edibleComment

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