During the oppressive, impoverished years of Reconstruction in the South, mustard greens made up a large part of the diet of most poor farmers in rural areas, like my ancestors in the west end of Pickens County.
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 3/21 - Common Blue Violet
Violets have a long association with the coming of spring in various cultures throughout the world, which is not surprising as they’re one of the first flowers to brave the cold and bloom out in late winter.
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 2/28 - Chickweed
"Chickweed is just another example of how the most valuable plants in your yard are probably the ones you’ve been trying to kill. Along with plantain, oxalis, lamb’s ear, burdock, dandelion, and many more, there’s a whole salad bar and pharmacy right outside your front door."
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 2/21 - Yucca
"Yucca has several survival and bushcraft uses, and they’re all really, really cool. Three particular ones stand out, however."
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 1/31 - Creeping Cedar
"The first fossil records we have of this species are from the Carboniferous period, about 400 million years ago. Remains of this exact plant are being burned as coal this very day."
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 12/6 - Striped Wintergreen
Striped wintergreen’s primary value lies in being a powerful, reliable, year-round medicinal plant. It is a true lifesaving herb in the dead of winter, with a wide range of uses.
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 11/29 - Hickory
"Tall, tough, and stout, hickories are among the most useful and desirable trees in the forest. Like oaks, there are a lot of different species of hickories, but also like oaks, it doesn’t really matter that much."
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 11/22 - Red Oak
"In fact, as we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow… we should take a moment and remember that it was probably Indian-style acorn bread that the Separatists and Puritans of the Plymouth colony broke together with their Wampanoag allies in the very first Thanksgiving feast… a celebration of the American power to PREVAIL against all odds."
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 10/25 - Yellowroot
My grandmother still remembers the recipe she and her siblings were forced to take as kids any time they were sick: Start with high-proof moonshine. Mix in yellowroot extract, local honey, and peppermint oil. Heat it up hot, and take two tablespoons. It feels like swallowing fire, but it’ll clear a sore throat and cough right up.
Read more#WildEdibleWednesday 9/27 - Eastern Blazing Star
"There are not many prettier sights in the South than walking through an open field while hunting or gathering and seeing these tall, showy flower stalks shooting out of the broomsedge like purple fireworks."
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