Fall Foraging: 10 Things to Forage for in the Fall Season
Fall is the perfect time to try out new ways to spend time outdoors, and foraging is an ideal activity. Foraging is searching in nature for edible wild foods. Given the abundance of resources available, a beginner may easily become overwhelmed. The key to avoiding this is to stick to a few plants each time you go foraging.
Continue reading to learn more about the ten foods to forage this fall.
Before we get into the specifics, it is highly recommended to do your research thoroughly as there are many poisonous look-alikes of most edible foods.
Wild Berries
Blackberries, elderberries, juniper berries, and other wild berries are always a part of the foraging list, even for a beginner. Check with your local foraging experts for the local berries. They are best for making jams and pies or can even be eaten as a snack.
Mushrooms
Fall is the perfect time to harvest wild mushrooms, especially after it has rained. Numerous varieties of edible mushrooms can be found in mossy areas and those with downed logs. Be careful as there are many poisonous mushrooms, too. So educate yourself on various species and their edibility.
Wild Fruits
This season, you can find wild fruits like crabapples, wild grapes, and persimmons. The wild versions are generally a bit sour and smaller in size than the cultivated ones. The crabapples grow in abundance in Washington state and can be used to bake pies and make preserves.
Dandelions
Dandelion foraging is safe, easy to recognize, and tasty. It is one of the most common weeds you could find in the United States. This plant’s yellow flowers, leaves, and roots are all edible.
Hickory Nuts
Hickory nuts are the wild versions of pecan nuts. So if you like the taste of pecans, you could forage for hickory nuts. They are also high in calorie value and nutritious.
Acorns
Acorns are the fruit of the oak trees, and North America has the highest number of oak species. They are a powerful source of nutrients and calories.
Black Walnuts
Find these rough dark brown nuts fallen on the ground during the fall. They are high on nutrients but may irritate your skin when you touch them.
Chickweed
Chickweeds are great for salads and soups. It is a short vine with white flowers, leaves, and soft stems. It also has a few medicinal properties.
Wild Onion
The super delicious and spicy wild onion is worth all the effort it takes to harvest. Add them to your salads and other cooked dishes for that extra punch.
Sumac
The seeds from this red color shrub are used to make a drink like lemonade. Beware of its poisonous look-alike, which has greenish seeds.
For an easy and comfortable foraging day out, make sure you have the resources handy, carry a bag or a basket and a sharp knife or scissors to harvest. Fall is the perfect time to put on those hiking shoes and getting started, so break a leg!
Contact the American Trailhead for the best quality tools related to foraging or equipment for any kind of outdoor camping and adventure activities.