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How to Forage for Wild Foods Responsibly
If you’ve done much research on backpacking, hiking, or camping, you have probably come across the phrase: “Take only photos. Leave only footprints.” Or you may be familiar with one of the Leave No Trace principles: Leave what you find. So how does this affect foraging for wild foods? Is there a way to forage for wild foods responsibly?
What Exactly is Foraging Anyways?
Collins English Dictionary defines foraging as “the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter” For the sake of this article, I’m specifically referring to the plant (and fungi) portion of foraging. There is something special about wild foods – as if they are an unexpected gift and a surprise for the senses. For example, I’m not very fond of the blackberries we used to grow; they are often tart and seedy. But I love coming across the small, sweet, wild blackberries that grow in the woods. They seem special. Are these wild foods off limits though?
Leave No Trace: Leave What You Find
Keep in mind that the Leave No Trace mindset is built on principles, not rules. The goal is to leave the environment intact using “minimum impact practices”. (lnt.org) This does not mean, then, that foraging is completely out. The key is responsible foraging. What is that? Responsible foraging takes into account the surrounding plants and vegetation and how plentiful the wild food is. It can definitely be a part of your backpacking adventures, and may become something you really enjoy. There are a few points to keep in mind, though.
1. Know the Rules of the Area
There are many parks and public lands that allow foraging for wild foods – but not all of them. It’s a good practice to make sure foraging is permitted. If you are on private land, always get permission from the owner first. Taking these steps will also help you find out if an area is safe to forage. You can either contact the park superintendent or search the state’s Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
2. Know Your Wild Foods
This is extremely important: never ever consume a wild food you are unsure of. Never. Just please don’t do it. Before foraging a wild food, you should do your research. Know how to identify it and if there are any poisonous look-alikes. This is especially true of fungi. You should be able to identify the edible version AND any poisonous look-alikes before you eat anything. Don’t just trust Google or even pictures. You may even consider taking a foraging class with an expert before you get started. Many state parks offer such programs on a regular basis.
I love foraging for mushrooms – with caution. If you are unsure, it just is not worth the risk! My favorite mushroom hunting adage is: “There are old mushroom hunters, and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old and bold mushroom hunters.” Use caution, and know your wild foods.
3. Avoid Contaminated Areas
You really don’t want to forage wild foods from areas that have been contaminated by chemicals or other pollutants. Think fields that have been sprayed or roadsides with a lot of traffic. Do you really want to be ingesting those things? This is another reason it is good to always get permission before foraging. The park or the owner may advise you of areas to avoid.
4. Take Only What You’ll Use…
And leave the rest. There are multiple reasons for this. First, you won’t deplete an area by taking all of the wild foods. For plants, the recommendation is to take no more than 1/3 of what you see. Some wild foods are rare or slow growing, so taking only 1/3 allows them to replenish. A good example of this is ramps – those deliciously oniony-garlicky roots. They are delectable. BUT they are also very slow growing. Over-foraging can actually destroy the patch.
Second, if you only take what you will use, you allow other wildlife and foragers to benefit from the wild foods that are available. What a shame it would be to forage all you could, only to let it rot in your kitchen! So only take what you will use, and leave the rest. Also, leave behind any plants, fruits, or fungi that are buggy or beyond eating. Let them finish out their lifecycle in the woods.
5. Respect the Landscape
Be aware of the surrounding landscape and vegetation. Try to damage it as little as possible. Can you leave no trace of your having been there? Can others still enjoy the area after you have done your foraging?
Final Thoughts on Foraging Wild Foods
Learning to forage for wild foods responsibly can be a fulfilling and fun hobby. I find I end up learning so much more about my area and the plants, fungi, and fruits that are native to it. And it’s delicious! Just be sure to get permission, know what you’re foraging, take only what you’ll use, and respect the landscape. Happy foraging!
Looking to learn more about foraging? Or to find recipes for your wild foods? Be sure and check out our foraging series. And consider signing up for our newsletter to learn what’s in season.
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