Tuesday, March 24, 2015

How To Prepare Wild Foods Of California

By Lelia Hall


When someone forages and eats plants that grow in nature, it is critical to be careful about determining their identities. Mistaking one plant for another could ultimately be a fatal mistake. Consulting a knowledgeable professional about the identity of a plant is not a bad idea. A great variety of wild foods of California might be consumed safely, and knowing how to identify such plants can be an invaluable survival skill. It can also be rewarding and fun to cook such plants.

A variety of edible plants might be found growing untamed in this state. Carob trees may be abundant in certain areas, and they produce edible pods that are sweet and delicious. The pods are usually dried, roasted, and ground into a fine powder. The powder can then be used as a sweetener in hot beverages, smoothies, and baked goods. This versatile sweetener is a favorite for countless individuals.

Another plant found growing untamed in the state is fennel. The flowers of the fennel plant become seeds eventually. The seeds may be added to various dishes, and they have a light, sweet flavor that tastes like licorice. Soups, stews, and salads of many varieties may be given a new flavor with the addition of fennel seeds.

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.

Prickly pear cactus can also be found growing naturally in the area. It can be seen growing untamed in the foothills of many neighborhoods. The fruit and the pads of the cactus can be removed from the plant, while still leaving the main part of the plant intact. The fruit is sweet and is a great addition to fruit salad. The pads are quite versatile, and they may be fried, boiled, or pickled. Removing the skin and the spines from the fruit and the pads is necessary.

This geographical area is also a place to forage for olives. Olives were originally taken from Mediterranean areas by missionaries, and they were then transplanted in the state. Olives are quite bitter in taste after they are picked from the tree, and they must be cured before they can be eaten with any enjoyment. After olives are cured, they can be eaten by themselves or added to sauces, soups, salads, or pasta recipes.

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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