Hackberries (Celtis occidentalis) are native to eastern & central US and Canada, and they are commonly planted in parks, yards, boulevards, and other urban areas. They have a tasty fruit, which is easiest to harvest during the winter months. Learn how to enjoy them in this video!
Read MoreNorthern Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a native deciduous tree common across much of the US and Canada. Though often referred to as a “junk tree” because of its lack of value as a timber product, hackberry is a beautiful, fast-growing tree that produces delicious fruit in late summer and fall. This underutilized wild edible is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. And since it’s commonly planted in urban landscapes, it’s very easy to find!
Read MoreHawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a common small tree of hedgerows, fields, parks, and other open areas. This video discusses how identify this wild edible, its edible and medicinal qualities, and common preparation methods.
Read MoreThis video covers the identification, harvest, and preparation of nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), a native fruit that ripens in the fall.
Read MoreJust realized that my chokeberry video never made it to this blog for some reason! Well, here it is. Even though chokeberries ripen in autumn, they can often be found hanging on the shrub throughout winter. Though in my experience, they are much tastier when fresh!
Read MoreHackberry season is just around the corner! I have seen tons of trees bearing fruit around the Twin Cities. Watch this video to learn how to harvest this tasty and nutritious food!
Read MoreI'm always surprised to learn how few people know about crab apples. They grow everywhere, but when I pick and one, I hear reactions like, "I thought those were poisonous!" "I didn't know crab apples grew in the city!" "Those are APPLES? I thought they were BERRIES!"
So I'm here to set the record straight!
Read MoreOkay, so I know that plums aren't technically a wild food. But there is such a thing as wild plums (Prunus nigra and Prunus americana), and they will be in season soon in the Twin Cities area! Also, I tend to lump gleaning in with foraging. ("Gleaning" is the act of harvesting leftover or second-rate fruits or vegetables from farms or gardens.) And I gleaned these plums from my friends' yard! Furthermore, domesticated plants often grow feral in fields and forests: apples, asparagus, pears, and parsnips are commonly found in the wild. Finally, I think it's silly not to take advantage of an abundant food source strictly because it isn't wild. Falling fruits abound both in urban and rural environments, and I love harvesting them, eating them, and getting other people excited about them! So here you are-- a plum recipe!
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