Foraging is a method of searching and collecting food resources in the wild to ensure survival. This includes all the resources provided by nature, including plants, small animals, birds, and insects. Survival has always been a complicated issue. Historically, foraging was a way of surviving and feeding the clans. It is useful for both short-term and long-term survival. Even in a post-apocalyptic scenario, foraging plays a major role safeguard survival.
Currently, you can forage by looking around in parks, at the bank of lakes, or even during hiking. The only thing you need to dread is the presence of chemicals on the plants. Make sure that the plants you are harvesting have not been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals as this can cause adverse bodily reactions.
Today, I’ll walk you through the methods of harvesting the 3 most easily found plants that can be foraged in New Jersey.
Wild Rose
Wild rose is one of those floral that makes us swoon over its heavenly smell. It has been a treasured flower for centuries, not just for its exquisite appearance and divine fragrance, but also for benefits that we can reap.
There is no debate that wild roses have the most heavenly scent on earth. It usually begins to bloom in late May and continues till early June. The big, broad marker to initiate your harvest is the emergence of white blossoms that are in full bloom.
Note: Wear thick gloves and proper clothing to save yourself from the harsh thorns of Wild roses.
Mugwort
Mugwort is the rich diva that beautifies contemporary times. In traditional western herbalism, it is hailed as one of the oldest herbal allies. It has dark green leaves with trichomes on their underside and small florets with yellow or dark red petals.
Mugwort is aggressively evasive in nature and is a frequent treat in the wild. Once your sight lands at the picture-perfect Mugwort, let your green thumbs take the lead in harvest throughout spring and summer.
Note: Make sure that you don’t harvest more than 1/3rd of the whole plant.
Goldenrod
The many uses and benefits of this golden wonder have earned it the attention of foragers. Oftentimes, goldenrod is mistaken for bringing allergies. It has quite heavy and rather sticky pollen grains that are usually pollinated by insects and NOT THE WIND!
Once the late august hits, you will come across yellow flower-heads of the goldenrod along the roadsides and in open fields. You have around 2 to 4 weeks to harvest the goldies so plan your trip wisely.
Note: Make sure that you don’t harvest more than 1/3rd of the whole plant.