As a forager, I can really tell you that people are surprised and sometimes grossed out when I say I go and gather my food from the wild. We have normalised big supermarket chains as our only source of food, when in reality, if you learn the land you’re on, you’re surrounded by abundance that is free.
It is an art that demands your time and attention, it demands you learn your land and how she changes through the seasons, and she allows you to learn what plants and mushrooms will give you sustenance in each season change. But she demands it in such a gentle, rewarding way, and to me—it’s enthralling.
There are plants and mushrooms that share similarities to their edible counterpart, but are in fact extremely toxic. Being able to discern them is rewarding, and creating a delicious meal with them even more so.
You know where you food has come from, and the journey it has taken to get to your plate. You know what plants have certain medicinal benefits and what season to look out for them in. You spend time in nature, you exercise while you gather. You have appreciation for each season and what yield it will bring you. It’s a very grounding act.
Unfortunately, in some countries foraging is illegal due to reasons that are rooted in racism, which makes me a stronger believer that the law should be challenged. I believe some places in America it is illegal to forage, as well as some places in Australia. It’s a shame.
tldr: fek big azz cooperate companies, get free food outside because the cost of living inflation SUCKS (and have fun while doing so)
