By Christine MacIntyre
Weedy Wisdom for the Curious Forager is a delightful exploration into the world of foraging, offering readers a unique and insightful perspective on the often-overlooked treasures found in nature’s backyard. Authored by Rebecca Randall Gilbert, the book is a comprehensive guide that helps beginner and advanced foragers embrace the bounty of wild plants and discover the hidden gems under their noses.
Weedy Wisdom is carefully organized and presents a diverse array of edible plants, herbs, and weeds that are readily available and possess fascinating stories and practical uses. Gilbert’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book an excellent handbook, or field guide, for anyone interested in foraging. The book includes over 50 recipes, hands-on activities, and social themes that deepen readers’ understanding of plants while revealing important life lessons. Readers will learn how to gather edible flowers, work with invasive species, and preserve harvests. The guide covers everything from roots to flowers to seeds and more.
While the book offers detailed information on identification, harvesting, and preparation, Gilbert based the content on a series of beginner foraging classes packed with information for anyone “who has, or would like to have, an affinity with plants.” She introduces the concept of appreciating the intimate relationship between people and plants, focusing on breathing oxygen-rich air. Gilbert, who refers to herself as the “weed witch,” explains how to lean into plant wisdom. Through discussions about how to appreciate common plants, approach learning from and about them, and deepen existing connections, she hopes to infuse readers with rational and intuitive understanding.
Gilbert starts the book by paying tribute to indigenous people, specifically the Wampanoag people, to whom she acknowledges a debt for her knowledge and deeply rooted passion for the Earth. Her childhood memories of spending summers with her grandmother on Martha’s Vineyard an island she acknowledges as indigenous) have influenced her writing and foraging practices.
Weedy Wisdom’s table of contents is convenient. It serves as a helpful reference point for finding specific lists such as plant portraits, recipes, crafts, practices, and sections of the book referring to leaves, finding corresponding flavors, fermentation, healing first aid, and more. Following a thorough introduction, chapters based on eight foraging sessions focus on common and abundant plants.
Gilbert’s writing is vivid and accessible, and the book is not intimidating, even for those who’ve never heard of or seen the plants discussed. “Foraging can be intimidating… It’s best to start with something accessible and recognizable that can be seen almost anywhere, anytime.” Additionally, beautiful, dainty illustrations enhance readers’ foraging experiences and aid in identification.
Gilbert begins with basic greens, such as mustard greens, and includes simple leaf crisps and sun tea recipes. She then covers essential roots and seeds such as sassafras, sprouts, and chia seeds. Practices include simple, actionable items that any aged forager can do, such as stirring beans in a bowl, arranging them into patterns, or sorting by color and size. The section about edible flowers is instrumental, as they’re often “easier to tell apart than roots, seeds, leaves, or even berries.” Flowers’ colors, scents, and flavors, such as dandelions and honeysuckle, provide foragers with a fresh culinary treat—different from the gift economy many associate with flowers. Recipes include time-consuming but blissful candied flowers, fritters, and vibrant food coloring.
While Gilbert discusses the immediate use of fresh forage, the section dedicated to fermentation offers a helpful guide to preserving a bounty through pickling, canning, and fermenting. One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on sustainable foraging practices. Weedy Wisdom encourages readers to develop a deep connection with nature, advocating for responsible harvesting and highlighting the importance of conservation. Gilbert encourages readers to improve their surroundings by planting Jerusalem artichokes, for example, rather than only taking them.
Gilbert’s passion for environmental stewardship is evident throughout the text, inspiring readers to appreciate the delicate balance between humans and the natural world. “As ethical foragers, we attempt to enhance rather than deplete the places where we live, eat, and harvest, behaving in the woods and wild areas as guests in an ancestral garden.” Expressing the give-take relationship, Gilbert dedicates a section to healing first aid. “The entire environment is your living room. There are snacks, amusements, work to be done, and constant entertainment,” she writes, adding that first aid is available for minor injuries.
Gilbert’s book provides a fascinating insight into the world of plants beyond their traditional use as food and medicine. She emphasizes the magical and mystical elements of nature that plants possess. Her personal experiences offer intriguing insights into the physical and mental effects of interacting with plants and the unseen interactions that are constantly occurring. Gilbert’s narrative is inspiring and encourages readers to develop a profound relationship with plants, allowing them to experience their magical journey.
Weedy Wisdom for the Curious Forager is not just a guide to foraging but a celebration of the abundance of nature surrounding us. The author’s infectious love for the subject makes the book immersive and enjoyable. Whether you are an experienced forager or just starting on this exciting journey, this book is an invaluable companion that will deepen your appreciation for the wild edibles nature provides.
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Weedy Wisdom for the Curious Forager is a delightful exploration into the world of foraging, offering readers a unique and insightful perspective on the often-overlooked treasures found in nature’s backyard. Authored by Rebecca Randall Gilbert, the book is a comprehensive guide that helps beginner and advanced foragers embrace the bounty of wild plants and discover the hidden gems under their noses.