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Spring has brought a burst of flowers and vegetation in many areas of the country. That means it's getting to be time for a free lunch in the city by doing a little urban foraging for salad greens.
We mostly think of going urban foraging in the late summer and fall for things like berries, fruits and nuts that are falling from trees, vines and bushes located all over the public spaces of cities. But spring offers just as much bounty in the form of herbs and greens.
If you're interested in taking advantage of the blossoms of spring and forage for salad fixings found all over cityscapes, here's some helpful tips.
Take a class
There are cool classes all over big cities. Check out community colleges, green organizations, and gardening networks to see if they're offering a class on identifying, finding, and harvesting healthy foliage. It's handy for finding out in what areas you want to forage (for instance, away from roadsides and where pesticides are sprayed) and how to identify edible plants.
Read up on local plants
Check out books from the library about edible local plants, for example this book specific to California. It'll become a handy field guide as you head out to gather plants.
Don't limit yourself to public spaces
If you see someone's yard overflowing with edible foods and you can tell they aren't harvesting it, go knock on the door and ask if you might be allowed to help yourself. You'll be surprised at how many people are eager to share what grows in their yards.
Check out advice and tips
Educate yourself on finding foods in your area. There's a video on Planet Green that is specific to the LA area, as well as on on The Kitchen specific to Chicago. Get a feel for what it's like to forage for foods before you head out.
Find local maps
Residents in many cities have already done the work for you. Dig up foraging maps like this one for San Francisco and build on the exploring others have already done for you.
Enjoy!
It's not too often a free lunch is possible. Enjoy getting out and exploring your neighborhoods, the feeling of providing for yourself and family, and the preparation of a healthy meal.
More Tips on Urban Foraging:
Frugal Green Living: Foraging for Free Fall Food
Food Foraging for the Faint-Hearted
Food Foraging: Gourmet Food Hunting
A Year in the Woods Eating Wild Food
Forbes Wild Foods: Foraging for Flavour
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