Learn to Live Off the Earth
We’re going to assume that you don’t spend much time living off plants in the forest—at least, we hope not! We’re lucky enough to have food in the fridge and prewashed salad in our bowl, making things like dandelion leaves a little moot. But you never know when you’ll need to feast on Mother Nature’s greenery, so we’re here to break down which plants are safe for consumption!
1. Dandelion
The next time you see this bright yellow weed in your garden, you might want to squirrel it away for the kitchen. Whether you’re lost in the woods or looking for a little something different, dandelions are perfectly edible and can be used in a variety of dishes.
2. Clover
We all want more protein in our diet, and you’ll get it with a handy clover! Though you probably won’t find one with four leaves, you will find a sweet plant that’s soft on your stomach and provides a surprising number of nutrients.
3. Stinging Nettle
We know what you’re thinking, and no, you shouldn’t just stuff raw nettle leaves into your mouth. You can, however, boil them and use them like everyday spinach. Not only is this one common enough to find anywhere, but it also packs plenty of nutrients.
4. Chicory
The hardest part of consuming chicory is ripping those beautiful flowers out of the ground! If you can part with the assault on nature, you’ll score roots that can be brewed into a coffee-like drink. It’s one way to wake up in the morning.
Christopher Luther on Unsplash
5. Wild Garlic
We usually prefer our garlic from the grocery store, but wild will do just fine. You can consume this the way you would everyday garlic, but you’ll need a more thorough cleaning process. You can also use the leaves in cooked dishes!
