Foraging California: Finding, Identifying, And Preparing Edible Wild Foods In California (Foraging Series)
Foraging California: Finding, Identifying, And Preparing Edible Wild Foods In California (Foraging Series) book cover

Foraging California: Finding, Identifying, And Preparing Edible Wild Foods In California (Foraging Series)

Paperback – Illustrated, August 22, 2019

Price
$14.96
Format
Paperback
Pages
272
Publisher
Falcon Guides
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1493040896
Dimensions
6.29 x 0.57 x 8.83 inches
Weight
1.16 ounces

Description

"This amazing book catalogues in clear, direct language the full range of wild edible plants found in California. Organized by ecological region and latest scientific family, it teaches not only a plant’s place on the land but its essential botanical attributes. More than that, Christopher’s lifetime of dirt time experience makes him expert on the edible and nutritional properties of this wonderful flora, so easily overlooked but at our disposal everywhere. I have followed Christopher on endless plant walks and never failed to learn something new and important. Now at last it’s all in one brilliant guide! "xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0 —Paul Campbell, author of “Survival Skills of Native California” From acorns, cactus, and yucca to mesquite, manzanita, and lamb’s quarter—Foraging California guides readers to the edible wild foods and healthful herbs of the Golden State. Organized by plant families, this book is an authoritative guide for nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts, and gastronomes. This guide also includes: Species ranging from herbs to trees Species ranging from herbs to trees Forager notes and expert advice on identifying, preparing, freezing, drying, storing, and cooking wild edibles Forager notes and expert advice on identifying, preparing, freezing, drying, storing, and cooking wild edibles Tools, techniques, and foraging etiquette Tools, techniques, and foraging etiquette Recipes to prepare at home and on the trail Recipes to prepare at home and on the trail Christopher Nyerges has been actively involved with self-reliance and survival for over 40 years. He works with the non-profit, WTI, in survival research and education. He co-founded the School of Self-reliance, and since 1974 has taught thousands of students about wild food, survival, and self-reliance. He is the author of ten books, including "How to Survive Anywhere," and "Extreme Simplicity."xa0 He was the editor of Wilderness Way magazine for seven years. Thousands of his articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines. Besides continuing to actively teach, he does a weekly self-reliance radio show. He lives with his wife in Southern California. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • From acacia to wild grape,
  • Foraging California
  • guides the reader to the edible wild foods and healthful herbs of the Golden State. Helpfully organized by plant families, with detailed information on locations, the book is an authoritative guide for nature lovers, outdoorsmen, and gastronomes.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(141)
★★★★
25%
(59)
★★★
15%
(35)
★★
7%
(16)
-7%
(-16)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Mushroom chapter is a bit wreckless

I'm a mycologist (mushroom scientist) who bought this book for the information on plant foraging. The book opens with a brief chapter on mushrooms, and frankly I was shocked at some of the advice (or lack of advice) on a number of the species. Some species closely resemble toxic look-alikes, which was glossed over, providing little or no descriptions of the lookalikes, leaving readers under the impression that the danger or risk is low - it is not. Additionally some of the ecological information, e.g. habitat, were flat-out incorrect. Makes me nervous about following this author's guidance on wild plants.
155 people found this helpful
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Great book, you have research some vocabulary used

This is a really, really good book. I fish saltwater and freshwater from shore and kayak all the time, but I wanted to learn more about foraging the areas I'm often fishing. I have a California Coastal foraging book but was looking for something about edible plants more inland, as I live near Sacramento, short drive to both the foothills/mountans and the coasts. This book has neat stories, cool photos, even recipes...

Pros:
Recipes and ways to prepare, even something as easy as "boil, drain, then boil again"
Easy to read and flip though in the field
Color photos
Says if it's similar to toxic species
Great descriptions

Cons:
Vocabulary which is over the head of most beginners/amateurs. But there isn't alot of it. Just google the terms and you'll be good. Ex: "Mustard family flora arrangement: 4 petals, 4 sepals, 4 stamens, and 1 pistil." Other words I didn't know what they were are: "lyrately-pinnately divided", "glochids"... the funny thing is I'm flipping through the book after reading it twice and I'm not finding what was so concerning to me while reading it.

I still give this 5 stars since the vocabulary thing is so minor. This book would be twice as long with an appendix if it were to explain the words. At the least it'll make you google and learn more about plant biology and structure.

You likely won't become an expert after reading it once but I guarantee you'll notice a lot of plants at your local park, on the side of the freaking freeway and even a few in your lawn. I'm going to keep reading this over and over again. Good to keep while hiking or camping too. It even mentions plants you can find to liven up your MRE's, freeze-dried camping foods and rations!
29 people found this helpful
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More Foods in Nature are Edible than you Think!

I have always wanted to know which plants are edible in Southern CA. This is a great book for hikers, campers and city dwellers who want to be more connected with nature. Kudos to the writer for acknowledging that Native Americans discovered foraging, forest management and how we can learn from them and him! I highly recommend this book and will keep it in my personal library. One of the best books that I bought this year.
14 people found this helpful
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Informative, easy to use.

I think this book has many pluses such as helpful charts and tables and also photos. I noticed some plants that are useful are not mentioned such as bedstraws (galium aparine). I don't think this book is comprehensive but it does a good job with the plants it covers.
6 people found this helpful
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Good read

Was really interested in learning about nature at what naturally around me while quarantine and everything going on. This book is a really good read, I never realized how common wild edible foods were ! It also gives you some different ways you can prepare and eat them. Good book for anyone to have.
6 people found this helpful
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A little underwhelmed

The first few pages of the book have the most important information, specifically that most plants don't taste good, but aren't poisonous. The plants mentioned seemed to miss some obvious plants. The cooking instructions were also pretty meh. Mostly talking about making a salad or adding butter.
4 people found this helpful
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Really great book

This is a really great book! Pictures are awesome and allow you to identify the plants! You will be amazed as we are to find out that you have been looking at your food all along and all around you!
4 people found this helpful
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Informative

Fun book. Great pictures and information. I wouldn’t just rely on this one resource but it is a good addition to the library.
3 people found this helpful
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Very helpful

A great book that does what it says. Good, clear pictures, and simple, beginners information. I do not feel confused or afraid I’ll be poisoning myself with this book. A good beginners book. Calmed my fears and grew my interest in foraging.
2 people found this helpful
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Maria

This book is great for those who like to know about edible plants in California.
2 people found this helpful