Wednesday, March 18, 2015

How To Prepare Wild Foods Of California

By Lelia Hall


A person should always exercise caution when foraging and consuming plants found growing in nature. Making a mistake about the identity of such an item could prove to be toxic and even deadly. Therefore, any time that an individual is in doubt about a plant, consulting an expert before consuming it is advisable. Knowing how to find edible plants in any area is a great survival tool, and there are plenty of wild foods of California worth considering. Preparing recipes made from such plants can be a rewarding activity.

The state is home to a broad array of edible plants. Carob trees produce pods that are delightfully sweet, and these trees grow abundantly in certain areas. The pods can be made into a finely ground powder after they have been dried and then roasted. This powder is often used to sweeten smoothies, baked goods, and hot drinks.

Fennel is another plant that is safe to consume, and it may also be found untamed in the area. This plant grows flowers, and the flowers ultimately turn into seeds. The seeds taste very similar to licorice, and they can be used as an ingredient in a vast assortment of dishes. The seeds may be sprinkled on salads, soups, and stews.

Another type of edible plant that grows naturally in the state is mallow. This leaf is flavorful and soft. The leaves are ideal to use in salads, and they can also be pan-fried the way that spinach and collard greens may be fried on a stove. Another method employed for cooking them is to steam the leaves, which may preserve their flavor beautifully.

People might also find prickly pear cactus growing naturally in the region. In certain neighborhoods and foothills, this cactus may be found growing undomesticated. The plant can remain intact after the pads and fruit have been removed from it. The fruit of the cactus might be added to pears, apples, and raisins to make a tasty salad. Many individuals boil, pickle, or fry the pads of the plant. Before consuming either the pads or the fruit, a person must first remove the spiny outer layer of skin.

Olives also grow naturally in this state. They were originally planted in the state by missionaries, who transplanted them from Mediterranean areas. Olives are typically not eaten directly after being picked because they are very bitter. They must first be cured in a solution that contains ingredients such as brine, salt, and lye. Once cured, they are generally delicious, and they be added to a wide range of salads, pasta recipes, sauces, and soups.

This state is also home to untamed radishes. The kinds of radishes sold to consumers in grocery stores are not unlike natural radishes in flavor. The untamed radish plant is a versatile item, and an individual might consume its leaves, roots, flowers, or stems. Even the pods can be eaten, and many people pickle them in a vinegar solution.

Many plants grow untamed, and they are often quite tempting when prepared correctly. It is always wise to be sure of the identity of a plant before consuming it. Countless individuals enjoy diets that consist mostly of foraged plants.




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