What Plants Are Edible In The Great Outdoors?
Whether you are an explorer looking to survive off the land or simply a curious person looking to find out more about our world, this article was made for you. Every day we eat fruits and vegetables, things that were once also found in the wild. Surely, this would mean that there are other plants out there that are safe for human consumption?
There are plants that are safe for human consumption, albeit slightly unconventional. We will be sharing a list of edible plants that are readily available and safe for eating. Always make 100 percent sure that the pant you are eating is in fact what you think it is to prevent potential poisonings.
How to tell if you should NOT eat a plant
If you cannot identify the plant, rather avoid it. However, in a pinch, there are a few things to look out for and steer clear of. This includes plants with milky sap, plants with fine hairs or thorns, anything with beans or seeds, parsley-like foliage, three-leaved growth patterns, grain heads with spurs, an almond scent, or plants that taste bitter and soapy.
While some of these characteristics may be present on edible plants, the above list is a great rule of thumb when it comes to choosing plants to eat.
6 plants that you can eat
- Amaranth
This Native American weed is edible, although you should look out for spines on the leaves. It is recommended that you boil the leaf before eating it to remove excess nitrates, although you can eat it raw.
- Asparagus
While we are all familiar with asparagus, there is a wild variety available that can be eaten the same way as the store-bought variety. It is rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and thiamine.
- Cattail
This plant is often found in the wetlands and formed part of the Native American’s staple diet. The rootstock can be eaten raw or boiled, with the best part being the white part of the stem at the end of the plant. You can also eat the corn-like flower on the plant – and it tastes like corn too!
- Clovers
Clovers are not just lucky, but they are edible too! They are available almost everywhere and can be either boiled or eaten raw.
- Dandelion
While this weed can be a pest in the garden, it can be a help in a pinch. The entire plant is edible, although mature leaves can be bitter.
- Kelp
This seaweed can be found almost anywhere along the coast and can be eaten raw or boiled. You can even make chips out of it for when you signup right now for some fun online. Kelp is also rich in lignans, folate, and vitamin K.
In a pinch, Mother Nature will be able to help you survive and stay nourished. It is all about knowing what you can eat and finding them.
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