On a recent post-rain hike, my partner gathered five pounds of prized chanterelle mushrooms! We don't usually think of foraging for wild food in winter but depending on where you live, there may be some treasures right in your backyard or local park.
The chanterelles Gregory found in Southern California included two species: Cantharellus cibarius, or golden chanterelle, and Cantharellus californicus, or mud puppy or oak chanterelle. Even though he was fairly confident about his discoveries, he double-checked with our local mycological society and a couple of mushroom experts to make sure they were safe to eat.
Meanwhile, I was visiting family in the Hill Country area of Texas where I found edibles like chile pequín, sumac, and prickly pear fruit.
Even if you live in a colder region, you may be able to find foods like nuts, sorrel, field garlic, and winter cress. Do you have any winter foraging finds to share?
Related: A Roundup Of Wild And Foraged Foods
(Images: Gregory Han, Emily Ho)
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:) :)
Snow, even after the New Years Eve rain we still have 3 feet of snow.
Here in Minneapolis, MN we're up to our elbows in snow too but I have some mycological colleagues who will be heading even further north in MN to collect chaga, a fungus that is easier to spot in the middle of winter.
Yay for the Texas Hill Country. I've lived all throughout it. Do you happen to know a good book specifically for foraging in this area?
It's a risky business learning to forage for wild foods (ESPECIALLY mushrooms) from a book or articles. I definitely suggest learning with an expert in the field. Look up your local mycological societies...often affiliated with your area's university or nature museum.