Curly dock (Rumex crispus, also called yellow dock) is one of those plants that is easily overlooked. It doesn’t have a showy flower and the leaves can look kind of generic. Furthermore, it’s not typically as prolific of a weed as dandelion— at least not in urban areas. It’s unfortunate that people aren’t more familiar with it, as the leaves, stem, seed, and root are all edible or medicinal. And with its wide distribution, it’s easy to start eating!
Read MoreWhere I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, winter is generally a cold and quiet time of year. Birds fly south, animals hibernate, and plants go dormant during this challenging season. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that winter is lifeless! There is still vitality to this season, for those who care to look! And there is still an array of wild foods to harvest.
Below is a list of five types of foods that can be foraged in the winter. I’ve opted to describe broad groupings rather than focus on individual species, just to show the diversity of winter foods. As such, this list is meant more for inspiration than to provide technical details. However, the links in each category offer more information for those wishing to dive deeper!
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 MoreMany of us have encountered burdock while walking through fields or forest edges, but don’t even realize it until we’re pulling the velcro-like burs from our clothing and muttering curse words. Or if you’re like me, you might notice it before your friends and instigate a bur-throwing battle! Regardless, the bur is typically the most-recognized part. But once you start eating burdock, you might be more apt to notice the tasty parts— which, fortunately, there are several of!
Read MoreThis video covers the identification, harvest, and preparation of nannyberry (Viburnum lentago), a native fruit that ripens in the fall.
Read MoreLearning a few different herbal preparation methods goes a long way in making them more accessible. While teas and tinctures can be costly when bought at a store, harvesting and preparing your own is cheap or free. And you get the added bonus of working directly with the plant!
In the article below, I explain some basic herbal preparations using the plant motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) as an example. (These preparation methods also apply to other plants, of course.) I also quickly go over identification features and medicinal properties of motherwort, but I encourage you to follow the links provided and learn more!
Read MoreThis video covers the edible and medicinal purposes of broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), goes over identification and harvesting, and ends with making plantain chips!
Read MoreWhite cedar (Thuja occidentalis) makes a delicious and healthful tea! Learn how to identify and use it in this video.
Read MoreThe weather is warming up in the Twin Cities, and tree tapping season will soon be over! Here is part three of a video series about tapping maple trees at home for the sap. This one is about end-of-season clean-up. Part one covers putting the tap in the tree, and part two goes over what to do with the sap. I will not be explaining how to boil down sap for maple syrup. Though it's a great practice that I encourage everyone to try at least once, this video series is designed for people who don't have the time or equipment to make syrup. Plus, maple sap is a great product in its own right!
Read MoreIt's tree tapping season in the Twin Cities! Here is part two of a video series about tapping maple trees at home for the sap. This one is about what to do with the sap. Part one covers putting the tap in the tree; and part three will go over end-of-season clean-up. I will not be explaining how to boil down sap for maple syrup. Though it's a great practice that I encourage everyone to try at least once, this video series is designed for people who don't have the time or equipment to make syrup. Plus, maple sap is a great product in its own right!
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