edible plants

[BBQ BOY]

I'm always amazed how people know so much about edible plants where ever they are. I would love to start to learn myself. Especially for my era. Any advise?

 

[tknife]

I learned from a true professional that's been teaching edibles for almost 30 years. I wouldn't trust books, there are some edible plants that look similar to poisonous ones so you definitely want to be sure.

 

[Mistwalker]

A digital camera has been my best tool to learn with. The black & white ink drawings in the old books didn't help me a lot. So over the past few years I've taken multiple photos of various plants, researched them on line and at libraries as thoroughly as possible and when questions arose asked peers, friends, and a couple of university botany forums.

 

[halo2]

Ask around for someone who teaches. Try schools, 4H or FFA clubs, or the internet for that person. There may be clubs or courses in your area. Books are OK, but as others said, don't rely totally on them and get more than one for reference. Also, they tend to show the prettiest sample pictures.

Many plants have edible parts but are not completely edible so you should go slowly. Bring a notebook when walking and take notes or pictures.

Start in your back yard. Chances are there are 3 or 4 edibles right there. But again, confirm for sure before eating.

 

[pitdog]

A digital camera has been my best tool to learn with. The black & white ink drawings in the old books didn't help me a lot. So over the past few years I've taken multiple photos of various plants, researched them on line and at libraries as thoroughly as possible and when questions arose asked peers, friends, and a couple of university botany forums.

Good advice, that's exactly what I do !:thumbup:

 

[tonym]

Ask around for someone who teaches. Try schools, 4H or FFA clubs, or the internet for that person. There may be clubs or courses in your area. Books are OK, but as others said, don't rely totally on them and get more than one for reference. Also, they tend to show the prettiest sample pictures.

Many plants have edible parts but are not completely edible so you should go slowly. Bring a notebook when walking and take notes or pictures.

Start in your back yard. Chances are there are 3 or 4 edibles right there. But again, confirm for sure before eating.

+1:thumbup:

Books and pictures are great, but to get out with a pro is what really helped me. Luckily I have had the opportunity to do plant walks with guys like Marty Simon and Doc Canada who really know there stuff and live in a similar region as my self.

Also with books, be sure to cross reference. It is not uncommon to find 1 book listing a plant as edible, while another book lists the same plant as poisonous.