When you put food on a plate to serve to yourself and your family, you probably got those vegetables at a farmer's market or grocery store. Perhaps you grew some or maybe all of them in your backyard, if you like gardening. Though these are by far the most popular ways to source food, there is a growing forage California movement that gives you an alternative way to put food on the table.
When it comes to this movement, wild foraging is definitely the most popular. This means that individuals or small groups go into local woods or even desserts, depending on the area they live in, and look for food. Mushrooms are a main attraction, as they can be used by vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike to make delicious meals that are also healthy.
You do not have to take a trip out into the wilds in order to forage for food, though. Urban foraging is a growing part of this movement that allows you to get food from your city. Think of abandoned lots and small open spaces that have lots of wild plants growing. There could be abandoned citrus trees, edible flowers, even vines with berries that are all available nearby if you just keep an eye out for them.
California is home to a very long coastline, and this close proximity to the water makes it easy to forage for proteins that other areas just can't provide. Some people love to get a pole and fish, but many foragers prefer diving to get bay scallops or even the delicacy abalone to give themselves a delicious and nutritious treat. Just make sure you take an experienced guide with you if you've never done this before.
There are people who have been doing this for quite a long time, and some of these pioneers want to expand the movement. They may offer classes that you can take to learn how to forage properly. If you wish to try foraging but have no experience, then it is a really good idea to take one of these classes. There are lots of things growing wild that are not necessarily good for you, and can even be poisonous if eaten. Avoid these problems by getting informed through classes.
Besides classes, some places offer guided tours. There are even weekend expeditions to not only find wild food, but learn to clean and cook it as well. In fact, in some California cities, there are shared kitchens and even cooking classes available that focus on foraged ingredients.
There are even some restaurants that are opening that have a menu based either entirely or at least partly on whatever wild foods happen to be in season. Some of these are permanent locations that are open five to seven days per week, while others are pop up restaurants that are only available for a short time before they close shop.
Before you embark on your new culinary adventure, be sure that you are doing so in a responsible manner. Do not overstrip areas or harvest more than you need, as people doing this has lead to rules and regulations in some areas. This is a fun and bountiful pursuit if you are responsible and know what to look for.
When it comes to this movement, wild foraging is definitely the most popular. This means that individuals or small groups go into local woods or even desserts, depending on the area they live in, and look for food. Mushrooms are a main attraction, as they can be used by vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike to make delicious meals that are also healthy.
You do not have to take a trip out into the wilds in order to forage for food, though. Urban foraging is a growing part of this movement that allows you to get food from your city. Think of abandoned lots and small open spaces that have lots of wild plants growing. There could be abandoned citrus trees, edible flowers, even vines with berries that are all available nearby if you just keep an eye out for them.
California is home to a very long coastline, and this close proximity to the water makes it easy to forage for proteins that other areas just can't provide. Some people love to get a pole and fish, but many foragers prefer diving to get bay scallops or even the delicacy abalone to give themselves a delicious and nutritious treat. Just make sure you take an experienced guide with you if you've never done this before.
There are people who have been doing this for quite a long time, and some of these pioneers want to expand the movement. They may offer classes that you can take to learn how to forage properly. If you wish to try foraging but have no experience, then it is a really good idea to take one of these classes. There are lots of things growing wild that are not necessarily good for you, and can even be poisonous if eaten. Avoid these problems by getting informed through classes.
Besides classes, some places offer guided tours. There are even weekend expeditions to not only find wild food, but learn to clean and cook it as well. In fact, in some California cities, there are shared kitchens and even cooking classes available that focus on foraged ingredients.
There are even some restaurants that are opening that have a menu based either entirely or at least partly on whatever wild foods happen to be in season. Some of these are permanent locations that are open five to seven days per week, while others are pop up restaurants that are only available for a short time before they close shop.
Before you embark on your new culinary adventure, be sure that you are doing so in a responsible manner. Do not overstrip areas or harvest more than you need, as people doing this has lead to rules and regulations in some areas. This is a fun and bountiful pursuit if you are responsible and know what to look for.
About the Author:
To preserve and restore native grasses, consider learning more about forage California. Here is the blog that explains more on this topic at http://livingwild.org.
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