Wild Foraging

Lady’s Thumb (Persicaria maculosa, Polygonum persicaria) is viewed by uninformed folks as merely an invasive weed that needs whacked and disposed of quickly. But, to homesteaders and fans of wild edibles in general, discovering this plant on your land can provide a natural bounty of home remedy ingredients. This annual wild plant is a part … Read more

Goldenrod is a superb plant for novice foragers to discover because it boasts a plethora of edible and medicinal uses. But, this hardy wild “weed” does also have some potentially lethal look-alikes. There are about 130 species of goldenrod plants. All of the species except one, white goldenrod, feature bright yellow blossoms. Each of the … Read more

Goldenrod is both a beautiful, and often hated wild weed. For folks suffering from haya fever and related seasonal allergies, this late July or August bloomer is dreaded. But, contrary to popular belief, it is often just the plain Jane ragweed that grows with goldenrod, that causes all of the annoying, and somewhat painful allergy … Read more

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is probably the easiest of nearly all wild “weeds” to identify. Only daisies and dandelions might be simpler to safely identify for a novice wildcrafter. Not only are the flowers quite distinctive on a chicory plant, but it has no toxic look-alikes, as Queen Anne’s Lace and so many other plants do. … Read more

If you’re looking to improve your health and enjoy a tasty meal at the same time, look no further than your own backyard. Burdock is a common herb that many people have growing wild on their properties. It can be quite annoying to encounter when you are walking in the woods, as it has small … Read more

Wild onions by any other name are still just as tasty and good for you. Depending upon where you live, wild onions may also be called: wild garlic, leeks, field garlic, scallions, and crow garlic. There are more than 100 different varieties of wild onions and garlic (wild alliums) that grow in fields and pastures … Read more

As a homesteader, you need to understand what the world has to offer on its abundant plate. As ignorant tourists on the planet, it seems that we turn our noses up at the good free food the Earth has to provide; instead opting for sawdust-filled hamburgers and uranium-colored candy bars. As a seasoned forager, you … Read more

Disclaimer: neither the author nor www.newlifeonahomestead.com are responsible for the side effects resulted from applying the advice given in this article. The advice in this article is for information purposes only. Mushroom foraging is one of my favorite hobbies. In addition to providing me with delicious treats, the experience of searching for mushrooms deepens my relationship … Read more

People say pawpaws taste like a mix between banana custard and mangoes. I can’t wait to try them!

I was so excited when I finally learned what the umbrella-like leaves that are popping up all over the forest floor are. Especially that they have edible fruits!!

Learn how to use this super food as a nutritional and delicious replacement for cornstarch!

Learn to spot the difference between a wild edible and a dangerously poisonous weed. Then try these recipes for wild carrots and Queen Anne’s Lace Jelly!

A delicious way to use purslane, a nutritious, edible weed you might have growing in your garden!

This “weed” is super nutritious, and is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and tons of essential vitamins. Not only that, but it tastes great, too!! Here’s what I’ve discovered about purslane, and why I won’t be pulling it out of my garden beds anymore!

I’ve always heard that wild strawberries were poisonous, so I’ve been telling my kids not to eat the ones we have growing in our yard. But then I read somewhere that they were actually delicious and safe… so which is it? Here’s what I’ve learned…