Originally Posted By lori

I wouldn't recommend that at all. Doesn't anyone remember Into the Wild? Some of those plants look a lot alike... Go foraging with someone who can tutor you in the differences between edible and non-edible plants, or take some full color, high quality prints of the edibles and their look-alikes if any, before you use that skill backpacking. Especially if you are looking for mushrooms. Very difficult to identify if you have not been with someone who can show you the differences.

Take real food if you want to spend the time hiking. You will have to choose between hiking and foraging.


I would take heed of this warning. I was fortunate enough to be trained by someone personally on identifying edible plants. I have used books to expand that knowledge quite a bit, but there are inherent dangers.

As lori points out, plants can look extremely similar and eating an inedible plant that you *think* is edible can be a very unpleasant experience. On the topic of mushrooms, I have only one piece of advice, DON'T.

If you are resigned to trying to teach yourself here are some books I have used. Also familiarize yourself with the proper way to test plants before consuming them:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/039592622X/wildfoodadven-20%22

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0878423591/wildfoodadven-20%22
_________________________
A tent is a bad place for an argument, because when you are angry you walk out and slam the flap. How are you supposed to express your anger in this situation? Zip it up really quick? ~Mitch Hedberg