Wild food in German forests

Food is regarded as a ‘basic need’ beside shelter and clothing. Eating is a very intimate and vital act in our daily life. The deprivation of it for a longer period of time soon affects our body physically and mentally. Food is life-sustaining. The phrase ‘What you eat is what you are’ is actually not far off. Yet, how much does a young person living in Europe know about food, such as its origins, growing process and transportation route? With more and more people growing up in urban environments, the chances and opportunities to understand growing food are diminished greatly. While almost 75% of the population in poorer countries work in agriculture, it is only 5% in rich countries. People living in developed, industrialised areas are not only far removed from the intense labour of food production, but also often from access to a plot of land or garden for one’s own subsistence.

But there is actually a lot of free food out there that grows wildly and without any human care. This report lists some great, often underlooked plants that are commonly found in Northern Germany and in most of Northern Europe. Many of these plants are called ‘weeds’, because they mostly appear in human-dominated (or human-disturbed) places where they are undesired and difficult to get rid of. However, many of them have medicinal properties and often thrive in poor, damaged soils to actually restore it and act as ground cover (to prevent soil erosion). They are sparsely advertised in the food industry, yet they are potent with vitamins and minerals precisely because they have not been commercially cultivated and genetically modified. Foraging for wild plants near the city, or in the nearby forest is often safer than in the countryside, where a lot of agricultural land is poisoned with pesticides.

Some notes on this: If you do go foraging and have little experience, it is best to go with someone who has knowledge in identifying plants. You do not want to accidentally pick up any poisonous plants. Also, respect what nature gives and only take little. Since this post mostly lists ‘weeds’, most of these plant species won’t be affected negatively if you pick them. In some nature reserves it is often illegal to forage. Always use common sense: Try not to forage next to a heavily polluted or busy pathway, where humans and dogs frequently pass by and leave waste. And last but not least, there are several ways of using a plant and different preparations have different effects. Start small and slow as your body might not be used to the potency of wild herbs.

Stinging nettle - Brennnessel - Urtica dioica

While the nettle might evoke memories of pain and discomfort, and is thus usually avoided, it is one of the oldest and most valuable herbal remedies. It is most commonly found in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is notable for its iron content, protein, calcium, Vitamin C and K. Different preparations of nettle are used for arthritic pain and gout, anaemia, allergies, joint problems, urinary problems or as topical treatment for eczema. It stimulates the immune system, lowers blood pressure, is detoxifying and purifying and is recommended for treating fatigue and exhaustion. In the past, the nettle has served as an important staple during war times, is used as liquid manure and plant protection in organic gardening and its fibrous stalks have been used in the textile industry. It positively influences the liver and gall bladder and stimulates digestion. The leaves, stems and roots are all edible - never eat them raw as the stinging leaves hurt your tongue! You can cook or steam the younger plant leaves which make an excellent substitute for spinach. The leaves can be used freshly or dried for tea. The herb specialist Susun Weed recommends making nettle infusions.

Ground elder/gout weed - Giersch - Aegopodium podagraria

Ground elder or gout weed is the nightmare weed for many gardeners as it is difficult to get rid of once established and is also considered as an invasive exotic plant in some regions. It spreads quickly by underground rhizomes and thus often reduces the diversity of ground cover and impedes the growth of tree seedlings. Its healing properties are often overlooked, but its other name ‘gout weed’ suggests that it is has been used to treat diseases of gout, joint, arthritis and the bladder. It is also known for detoxifying and cleansing the body. It contains large amounts of vitamin C, carotene, minerals and antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. The young leaves are tender, shiny and are usually added to salads. The older, bigger leaves are best picked up during spring and cooked and make a good soup or can be mixed into a pesto.

Evening primrose - Nachtkerze - Oenathera biennis

Also known as ‘King’s-cure-all’, the whole plant is edible and medicinal. The oil in the seeds contain GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a fatty acid that is used for psoriasis, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, heart disease, depression, diabetic nerve pain, PMS and menopause. The raw leaves taste best when young, and older leaves can be cooked. Roots may be eaten raw or cooked and are best dug out in the first year as that is when the energy is focused in root growth. They have a taste similar to parsnip and pepper. The flowers are harvested in full bloom and can be added to salads. It is often found on road sides, waste areas and in gravelly dry places. It is a biannual plant and is in bloom from June to September.

Stay tuned for some more medicinal and edible plants soon!

Sources and more information:

Foraging for food in the wild - http://www.ediblewildfood.com/foraging-for-food.aspx
Using herbs simply and safely - http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/Weed_letter_Nov-01.htm#article
How to make infusions - http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

https://ourworldindata.org/agricultural-employment/

Nettle:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/n/nettle03.html
http://www.herballegacy.com/Vance_Medicinal.html
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-side-effects-nettle-leaf-tea-5401.html
https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/brennnessel.html

Ground elder:

http://www.eattheweeds.com/gout-weed/
http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.de/2012/03/ground-elder-despised-unlovely-weed.html
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Ground-Elder-Cid4748

Evening Primrose:

http://wildblessings.com/2011/08/24/evening-primrose/
http://sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/foraging/EveningPrimrose.php
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/primro69.html