7 Foraging Guidebooks
For foraging to feasting, these books will get you started
Foraging is an age-old practice that has seen a resurgence in recent years, as more people seek to connect with nature and explore the culinary treasures that the wild has to offer. Foraging ethically is sustainable and can stretch your grocery budget.
Among the plethora of resources available, certain foraging guidebooks stand out for their depth of knowledge, practical advice, and authoritative voices, making them some of the best foraging books available.
The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer
One of the most respected titles in this genre is The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer (published in 2006).
Thayer is a Wisconsin native and highly regarded forager and educator who has spent years honing his skills in wild food foraging across North America. His engaging writing style, filled with personal anecdotes and harvesting tips, makes this foraging book both informative and enjoyable. Thayer’s extensive experience, combined with his passion for teaching others about wild edibles, lends significant authority to the book, making it essential for both beginners and seasoned foragers.
Botany in a Day by Thomas Elpel
Equally noteworthy is Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel (first published in 1998, with later editions).
Elpel is an educator and naturalist with a deep understanding of plant identification and ecology. His background includes extensive field experience, allowing him to simplify the often-daunting task of recognizing plants. Covering plants found in North America, Elpel emphasizes unique visual guides and mnemonic devices for recognizing plant families. His expertise and approachable writing style ensure that readers receive accurate and practical information, making this one of the best foraging books available.
This classic will help you grow confidence when identifying plants in the wild.
Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate by John Kallas
For those looking to delve deeper into the culinary aspects of foraging, Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate by John Kallas (published in 2010) is an invaluable resource.
Kallas is a professional forager, chef, and educator with decades of experience in teaching foraging classes. His book explores a wide range of edible plants found across North America, pairing detailed illustrations with recipes and preparation methods. Kallas’s authority in the field, alongside his culinary background, provides readers with both knowledge and inspiration for incorporating wild foods into their cooking.
Feasting Wild: In Search of the Last Untamed Food by Gina Rae La Cerva
Combining foraging with food history, “Feasting Wild” by Gina Rae La Cerva (published in 2018) stands out as a unique exploration into why we forage.
La Cerva is a geographer and anthropologist who focuses on the intersection of food and nature. La Cerva’s book explores biodiversity and Indigenous knowledge as well as what we lose when we don’t understand where our food comes from.
The Complete guide to Edible Wild Plants by the Department of the Army
For an authoritative perspective, “The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants” by the U.S. Department of the Army (first published in 2009) serves as a reliable reference. This government publication offers detailed plant descriptions primarily focused on the United States, alongside safety information and conservation tips. The USDA’s backing ensures a high level of accuracy, making it an essential resource for anyone serious about foraging.
Acorn Pancakes, Dandelion Salad and 38 Other Wild Recipes by Jean Craighead George
Acorn Pancakes, Dandelion Salad and 38 Other Wild Recipes by Jean Craighead George is written as a children’s book, but it’s recipes include frying and boiling and therefore need adult supervision. This book is a simple, affordable way to get started cooking the things that you forage. After foraging, you may enjoy fiddlehead pie or Sweet and Sour Lambsquarters.
The Forager’s Cookbook: Identify and Prepare Edible Weeds & Wild Plants by Julie Bruton-Seal & Matthew Seal
Exploring the culinary side of foraging further, The Forager’s Cookbook: Identify and Prepare Edible Weeds & Wild Plants by Julie Bruton-Seal & Matthew Seal gives even more recipes for those foraged foods. Enjoy chickweed pesto and Mugwort and Mushroom Soup. Julie grew up in Africa and lives in England. She is a photographer who loves exploring the outdoors. Her husband Matthew also cowrote Backyard Medicine, Home Remedies, and Herbalist's Bible, which another worthwhile resource.
Mushrooms: A comprehensive guide with over 1,250 detailed photographs of mushrooms and other fungi by Roger Phillips
Finally, for those particularly interested in fungi, Mushrooms: A comprehensive guide with over 1,250 detailed photographs of mushrooms and other fungi (published in 2006, with later editions) is an essential title. Phillips is a respected mycologist with decades of experience studying fungi. This book specifically focuses on mushrooms, featuring over 1,200 detailed photographs of species found in Europe and North America to aid in accurate identification. His authority and depth of knowledge make this a comprehensive guide for mushroom foragers.
These foraging guidebooks not only provide valuable knowledge but also celebrate the beauty and bounty of the natural world. Each author brings a unique perspective and expertise, making these resources indispensable for anyone eager to embark on a foraging adventure. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced forager, these foraging guidebooks will enrich your understanding of the wild foods that surround you. Enjoy!
