Learn how to forage, identify, and harvest black walnuts (Juglans nigra) plus how to dry and cure the nuts, and use the hulls and leaves for remedies! ID Tips for Black Walnuts (Photo Identification) Black walnut is a native tree, for those of us who live in Eastern North America. It’s a tall beautiful tree,…
Kohlrabi is a mild vegetable that makes a great potato substitute or side dish. Here it’s roasted with garlic powder, salt, pepper, parmesan, and other spices, and made similar to my favorite roasted potato recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and a great way to introduce this veggie to your family. Kohlrabi is an underused vegetable in…
This flavorful shiitake mushrooms recipe is super easy to make! Just chop, season, pop in your oven, stir once or twice while baking, and enjoy! We grow a ton of shiitake mushrooms so are always experimenting with ways to use them. This is one of our favorite side dishes made with shiitakes – it’s super…
Black trumpets are a choice edible mushroom, loved by many foragers! This article shares tips for finding and positively ID’ing them, lookalikes to know about, and how to store and dry your foraged finds. I get especially excited talking about black trumpet mushrooms (Craterellus fallax), because they were the very first mushroom I ever found…
Learn how to find and forage chanterelle mushrooms, plus tips on harvesting, identifying lookalikes, and how to store and cook these prized wild mushrooms! Hot and humid summer weather + lots of rain = tons of chanterelles popping up in our woods! Because of their bright color, they’re fairly easy to spot, if you look…
Learn how to identify and sustainably harvest Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum), then how to turn it into a tincture. We’ll also cover how to cultivate Solomon’s Seal in your garden or on your own land! Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) is a perennial woodland herb that’s native to the Eastern United States and Canada. It’s also…
Learn how to make all-natural lavender simple syrup – a sweet combination of sugar (or honey) and water, with a hint of lavender flavor. It can be used anywhere simple syrup is normally used such as homemade lemonade recipes, lattes, mocktails, sorbets, and more! It’s easy to make too – you just need: You may…
Learn how to identify and forage Creeping Charlie, an edible spring weed, plus instructions to turn it into a tincture! Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) – also known by the common names “gill-over-the-ground”, “ale-hoof”, “run-away-robin” and “ground ivy” – is a fast-growing, perennial weed that grows low to the ground. Many gardeners find it the bane…
Cleavers is a common edible weed that also has herbal benefits. Learn how to identify and forage cleavers, plus ways to use it! Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a widely found spring weed that you’re likely to find in your garden, flower beds, or while exploring the forest around you. Other common names for cleavers include:…
Are you hoping to forage some elusive morel mushrooms this year? These tips for hunting morels should be useful! 1. When to Start Searching Morel mushrooms (Morchella spp) are only around for a short window each spring, but it can be hard to know exactly when to begin your mushroom hunting. Morel mushroom hunting season…
Learn how to grow sweet violets or common violets from seed! Violets are a delightful addition to your woodland garden or tucked into shady areas or pots around your house. The pretty purple flowers are used to make tasty jellies, syrup, and vinegars, and the leaves can be used to makes soothing salves or lip…
Learn how to identify and forage for wild violets, plus how to harvest, preserve, and use them. Often considered a backyard weed, violets provide value to native butterflies, bees, and wildlife, and they offer food and herbal benefits for humans too! Foraging wild violets is an easy and fun springtime activity! Here’s how to make…