The forests and fields of West Virginia hide natural food that you can gather for free. Wild berries, nuts, and leafy greens grow throughout the state. Learning to identify these plants connects you to the land while providing fresh ingredients for your kitchen. Foraging builds skills that people in Appalachia have practiced for generations. Your … Read more
Some of the most sought-after forageables in the Midwest can be found right in Ohio. Wild ginger creeps along forest floors with edible roots that smell like citrus and spice. Hickory nuts, hard to crack but high in value, fall in rich woodlands in late autumn. It doesn’t take long to spot signs of edible … Read more
In Ohio, even a short walk in the woods can reveal edible plants hidden in plain sight. Wild leeks, also called ramps, grow in rich woodlands and have a strong onion flavor that’s hard to forget. You can also find pawpaws, the largest native fruit in North America, growing along shady riverbanks. Spicebush berries, which … Read more
Foragers across Ohio look forward to the short but exciting morel mushroom season every spring. As soon as the weather warms, these mushrooms start popping up in the forest floor, hidden among fallen leaves. Morels are prized for their deep, earthy flavor, and because they’re very difficult to cultivate, foraging them in the wild is … Read more
Colorado isn’t the first place most people associate with wild truffles, but that’s exactly what makes the hunt here so interesting. Beneath the quiet forests, these mushrooms form out of sight in the same soil that produces so many other edible species. They don’t show themselves easily, and even experienced foragers can walk right past … Read more
Kentucky’s woods, fields, and riverbanks offer amazing finds for those who know where to look. From tasty mushrooms to healing herbs, the state is full of natural goods worth searching for. Many locals make hundreds or even thousands of dollars each season by gathering these wild treasures. Spring brings morel mushrooms, which fetch up to … Read more
The forests, prairies, and riverbanks of Illinois are home to more than just scenic views—they’re home to some valuable edible plants. Wild leeks emerge early in the season, prized for their bold flavor and rarity. Jerusalem artichokes are another underappreciated native plant with both culinary and market value. You might overlook plants like wood nettle … Read more
Edible plants in Maryland include everything from leafy greens to fruits and roots. Groundnut, for instance, offers starchy underground tubers, while spicebush berries can be dried and ground as a seasoning. These native options have supported foragers for hundreds of years. Henbit and wild onion are two common plants with entirely different flavors and uses. … Read more
The woods, rivers, and meadows of Pennsylvania are home to a surprising number of edible plants. American basswood leaves can be plucked fresh in spring, while pawpaw fruits hide like treasure in late summer. Groundnuts, a native wild bean, often tangle themselves along sunny creek banks. Some edible plants are easy to overlook until you … Read more
Hunting for chanterelle mushrooms in Pennsylvania means searching for one of the state’s most prized wild edibles. These mushrooms stand out with their golden color, fruity aroma, and meaty texture that holds up in any skillet. Chanterelles are part of a long human tradition, with archaeological finds showing they’ve been foraged and eaten for thousands … Read more