Survivalists are telling us that these days we all need to know how to be independent of the mod cons we've come to expect. We hardly know how to live without electricity, hot and cold water at the turn of a faucet, and food galore at every turn. But what if you couldn't go to a restaurant or to a grocery store? If you don't want to just sit down and starve, it might be time to learn about the wild foods of California.
Food, of course, either grows - like a plant - or lives all around - like deer and rabbits or oysters and sea bass. To get the animal kind, you'll need to have some weapons and know how to use them. For small game, you can set snares rather than depend on bullets or arrows. Anyone who has seen the 'Hunger Games' - or better yet, read the books - knows that those who can hunt have a great advantage.
Not just hunting for game, either. Remember that it was a bright dandelion that triggered memories for Katniss. Her father had taught her about edible plants before his death in a mine explosion. The fact that she realized that plants growing in the meadow and the forest could feed her family brought her hope and fired her determination.
For those who are already vegetarians - a popular thing in California - this will make sense. Those who have a gut feeling they won't make it as a hunter of game or a fisher of scaly denizens of the deep can take heart in the fact that plants can sustain you. Look around at the trees, bushes, herbs, seaweed, and grasses, and consider menu plans.
Think of what you already know. Dandelions want to grow. In fact, people spend a fortune trying to discourage them from taking over their lawns. It's not hard to find nettles, wild onions and garlic, wild asparagus or fiddlehead ferns if you know what to look for. Mints, day lilies, violets, and nasturtiums are all edible.
There are some great books, both old and new, that have all the information you need to learn to identify plants you can eat. Some even have recipes and guidelines; the author might tell how Native Americans processed acorns to make them palatable and what they used them for (flour and pemmican). You can learn about the nutrients in a dandelion salad and the way day lily buds taste when sauteed. Of course, some things can be eaten raw, like roots, nuts, and berries.
It's fun to learn about living off the land, even if you're never unfortunate enough to need to do so. It gives a feeling of independence and a bit of control over the future. The child in all of us likes to move through the woods like an Indian, scour the beaches for mussels and other California delicacies, and know which plants make good soap, good wine, or good eating.
The Golden State is a perfect place for finding menu items in the great outdoors. With a year-round growing season, this area is home to more plants and wildlife than many other areas. The desert has pinon nuts and jojoba bushes, the mountains have blueberries, the sea shore has sea grapes. Enjoy!
Food, of course, either grows - like a plant - or lives all around - like deer and rabbits or oysters and sea bass. To get the animal kind, you'll need to have some weapons and know how to use them. For small game, you can set snares rather than depend on bullets or arrows. Anyone who has seen the 'Hunger Games' - or better yet, read the books - knows that those who can hunt have a great advantage.
Not just hunting for game, either. Remember that it was a bright dandelion that triggered memories for Katniss. Her father had taught her about edible plants before his death in a mine explosion. The fact that she realized that plants growing in the meadow and the forest could feed her family brought her hope and fired her determination.
For those who are already vegetarians - a popular thing in California - this will make sense. Those who have a gut feeling they won't make it as a hunter of game or a fisher of scaly denizens of the deep can take heart in the fact that plants can sustain you. Look around at the trees, bushes, herbs, seaweed, and grasses, and consider menu plans.
Think of what you already know. Dandelions want to grow. In fact, people spend a fortune trying to discourage them from taking over their lawns. It's not hard to find nettles, wild onions and garlic, wild asparagus or fiddlehead ferns if you know what to look for. Mints, day lilies, violets, and nasturtiums are all edible.
There are some great books, both old and new, that have all the information you need to learn to identify plants you can eat. Some even have recipes and guidelines; the author might tell how Native Americans processed acorns to make them palatable and what they used them for (flour and pemmican). You can learn about the nutrients in a dandelion salad and the way day lily buds taste when sauteed. Of course, some things can be eaten raw, like roots, nuts, and berries.
It's fun to learn about living off the land, even if you're never unfortunate enough to need to do so. It gives a feeling of independence and a bit of control over the future. The child in all of us likes to move through the woods like an Indian, scour the beaches for mussels and other California delicacies, and know which plants make good soap, good wine, or good eating.
The Golden State is a perfect place for finding menu items in the great outdoors. With a year-round growing season, this area is home to more plants and wildlife than many other areas. The desert has pinon nuts and jojoba bushes, the mountains have blueberries, the sea shore has sea grapes. Enjoy!
About the Author:
Discover the wild foods of California through our informative blog. Stop by our website and find out all the details at http://livingwild.org today.
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