Foraging Fundamentals To Complement Your Wildlife Delicacies

There's nothing better tasting than fresh catches or kills, but did you know there are dozens of edible wild plants just in Ontario according to NorthernBushcraft.com? What might be perceived as a weed because it encroaches on your desired crops could be packed full of nutrients and taste. Being able to safely identify and consume these in the wild could introduce a special flavour.

The fact is, embarking on a camping or hunting trip doesn't need to mean bland food. The smorgasbord that nature lays on is more than adequate to make delicious food in the outdoors. From wildflowers, to fungi, to gourds, there’s so much nature has to offer.

Flowers: Delicious and Packed with Nutrients

Flowers aren't often thought of as foodstuffs, but they can be delicious and, like vegetables, are a classic all natural food available to outdoors enthusiasts. Take, for example, the spotted Joe Pye Weed, found by the Canadian wildlife authorities to exist even in towns and cities. It can be eaten following boiling and provides a sweet nectar that is the perfect balance to many of the gamey flavours found in game, or the salty taste of a smoked salmon. Or consider pineapple and chamomile weed, both of which are used in teas to help calm and relax the mind - great for when you’ve been on an exhausting trail and want to unwind for the night.

Root Vegetables Where You Don't Expect Them

Root vegetables like garlic, onion and celeriac form an indelible form of culinary arts around the world and are some of the simplest ways to boost the flavours in any given meal. You might not find them growing in the wild, though, given onions are native to Asia (according to the Canadian encyclopedia). Instead, look out for natural root vegetables like wild leek or forest ramp. These have, predictably, a leek-like flavor, but can replicate the intense flavours of onion in your dish - and are widely found.

Safely Identifying Fungi

Mushrooms are another classic accompaniment to many meats, wild and farmed. Classically, you'll find mushrooms in soups and sauces that coat steaks and wellingtons, but the savoury flavour they provide is equally at home on game. For fish, they can countenance classic lemon and salt tones; and for game, they provide a buttery, flavoursome touch to balance the richness of the wild meat. The key in foraging for mushrooms is safety. One species can be vastly different from a next, and they can be lethal. Use your smartphone to take detailed notes on desirable types by researching your trail area. Then, look at harmful types, too, and make a note of how to identify and avoid. If in doubt, ALWAYS err on the side of caution - better to risk missing out on a delicious mushroom than to risk a visit to the emergency room - or worse.

Going out into the wild and shooting your own meat, or catching your own fish, is a brilliant way to have great, organic food. Rather than cooking it in a basic manner, use nature's bounty to spice it up a little. That way you can eat like a king whilst only eating the very best.