Both American Indians and the pioneers knew and used many different plant species-for food, fibers, medicine, tools, and other purposes. This unique book is a guide to identifying more than 220 such plants. But it goes much further-it also tells the reader how to prepare, cook, and otherwise use them. Some of the dishes for which recipes are given have won culinary prizes. All have been tested not only by the author but also by her students and by journalists-who have been uniformity surprised and impressed. The plants are organized by habitat communities. Description, photos, drawings, and distribution information are given. Where poisonous look-alikes exist, they too are illustrated. Much fascinating information about Indian uses of native and introduced species is included. The author emphasizes conservation considerations; the aim of the book is to educate the reader about intriguing uses of the plants, and to tell how to gather and use the most palatable and abundant species without damaging the environment.

A state of significant plant diversity, California is home to more species than any other. Weather, elevation, and latitude all play parts in the region's floristic dynamism. For the wild edible plant enthusiast, this means a variety of sustaining forages are to be had, however, they are not all found in one place. With Wild Edible Plants of California (Volume 1), the reader has access to not only the where, but too, the what and when of California's wild edible bounty.Covering the state's most essential forages, preference has been given to plants that are abundant and/or have more caloric/nutritional/traditional value than other edibles. Well-suited for the backpack, cargo-pocket, or glovebox, the publication's form is a 64-page booklet. Over 160 color photos and a state/county location image for every profile assists the reader in plant identification. Aside from the main focus of how to use and prepare each wild edible, additional sections include medicinal uses (if applicable), cautions, and special notes. A sustenance rank, choice edible part/ season indictor, and general index all serve to increase the publication's usefulness.

From beach peas to serviceberries, hen of the woods to Indian cucumber, ostrich ferns to sea rocket, this guide uncovers the edible wild foods and healthful herbs of Washington. Helpfully organized by environmental zone, the book is an authoritative guide for nature lovers, outdoorsmen, and gastronomes.

"A dazzling display of humanistic erudition, wit, and practical culinary advice. Ballerini's living herbarium reinitiates modern readers living in the concrete manswarm into the joys of foraging, gathering, and savoring herbs, flowers, and berries. Its wide-ranging historical context, a veritable documentary of poets and chroniclers of past and present, is a learned celebration of nature's bounty. Practical and flavorful recipes for each plant transport the 'weeds' from the field to the palate and enhance a narrative enriched by splendid complementary footnotes."—Albert Sonnenfeld, Series Director, Arts of the Table "Weeds indeed. A guide as witty as he is erudite, Luigi Ballerini has given us a remarkable compendium of the wild greens, along with their flowers and fruits, that people have foraged and eaten for millennia. Once the food of the poor, such ingredients are now in high demand. Gathering greens both familiar—such as mint or borage—and obscure—milk thistle and wallrocket—Ballerini draws upon a diverse cast of authors to attest or dispute their real or alleged medicinal powers. Just as important, he never neglects to suggest how they taste or to present fine recipes so that we can savor them for ourselves."—Carol Field, author of The Italian Baker "The scholar and poet Luigi Ballerini has given us a mouthwatering treasure of inventive Italian recipes for foraged wild plants adapted for the American locavore kitchen (including ten for borage alone, as well as nettle and purslane frittatas, and prickly pear risotto). This elegantly illustrated volume is peppered with humor and tastefully seasoned with a wealth of cultural, historical, and scientific sources and information. A Feast of Weeds is food for both the palate and the mind."—Jean-Claude Carron, University of California, Los Angeles

Best serving as an introduction to the wild/non domesticated (or domesticated yet feral) edible plant life of SoCal, readers will find Southern California Food Plants to be a much needed addition to a subject that continues to grow in interest and pertinence. Inhabitants of the greater Los Angeles to San Diego metro areas, then east to Palm Springs/the California state line, whom take outer urban excursions will surely benefit most from this guide. Essentially: throw this booklet into a backpack or glove box, head for the hills, and discover what wild plants can be consumed during times of leisure or necessity.Covering 50 wild southern California food plants.Edible uses are fully explored: preparation & utilization.Range & habitat are discussed assisting in identification.County by county maps & nearly 100 color photographs.Both common & scientific names.Concise synopsis of medicinal uses.Cautions list look-alike plants & toxicity concerns.Special notes include useful extras & important tidbits.

This book describes or mentions the great bulk of the edible plants found in the western United States west of the Great Plains and in southwestern Canada and northwestern Mexico. Carefully illustrated, it helps you identify many hundreds of edible plants that may give you helpful food on a camping trip or someday save your life.

“This book is an excellent deep dive into California’s wild edibles, revealing a real affection for and intimate familiarity with our state’s flora.” —Iso Rabins, founder of ForageSF California offers a veritable feast for foragers, and with Judith Larner Lowry as your trusted guide you will learn how to safely find and identify an abundance of delicious wild plants. The plant profiles in California Foraging include clear, color photographs, identification tips, guidance on how to ethically harvest, and suggestions for eating and preserving. A handy seasonal planner details which plants are available during every season. Thorough, comprehensive, and safe, this is a must-have for foragers in the Golden State.