California Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Evergreen Huckleberries to Wild Ginger

by Judith Larner Lowry

Part of the Timber Press Regional Foraging book series, this is for foragers in the diverse climates of California.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Gardening, Outdoors, Plants, Food

344 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2014

Reviews

[megHan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.

I don't live in California, but the whole idea of foraging and living off the land has always been something that interests me. There are so many fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc out there and we, as Americans, only eat a small amount of what is available because we don't know all that our planet provides for us. When I found this book on NetGalley, I quickly grabbed it up.

It is a very interesting book, well written - and it goes well beyond just the wild plants. The author includes lots of information on foraging itself and tips on how to live off of these foods. Each wild plant has a picture to help you easily (and safely) identify the item as well as lots of information on the plant itself and how to eat it.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this awhile ago so some details have been forgotten, but I recall it being a fascinating deep dive into the history and current state of plants available for foraging in different parts of California. I think I will buy a copy if I have not already.

[Josh Fogelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book premise, but not so practical as useful, as many plants read as "only harvest with trained naturalist. A similar looking plant is poisonous and don't eat it or you will die." So not so useful to the average Californian. But fun to think of all the inventive ways California natives could be consumed.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photos, useful information, very useful chart at the beginning showing the types of edibles and the seasons they're available.

Great reference for taking on hikes and camping trips in California; also great book for choosing native edible plants for your garden.

[Miguette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many good features but includes so many edible bulbs that I really wondered about the sustainability of the whole thing. It also includes some things like soap plant (Chloragalum pomeridianum) that need boiling for days with various changes of water needed to make it safe for consumption. That’s some hardcore foraging if you ask me. Plus again- sustainability. I’m too lazy to make acorn flour, and I would feel guilty about it too. So I’m not the target audience.

** Good pictures, good ID, accurate info, well researched and thorough. **

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Helpful

Very helpful. I really appreciate the chart showing what to harvest each month. I also appreciate the directions in how best to harvest the plant while enabling it to keep growing.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC copy of this book through Netgalley.*


For a few years now I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about natural healing and foraging for wild foods. I think it is something that is important to know. Our ancestors knew it...they lived by it. I think it's a shame that not many modern people are connected enough to the land that we know where to turn for food in case our supply runs out. Until a few years ago, I had no idea that I was living in an area with a bounty of wild foods literally right outside my door.


I've run across a lot of books in my search for information and I can say that this one ranks pretty high in terms of quality of information and pictures. There were several things I've never heard of before (madrone bark tea!), as well as more information on plants I regularly gather (salal, chickweed, purslane). There is a wealth of information in this book and it is one that I will most likely buy for myself some day. It is definitely worth a look if you are interested in foraging in California.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great- a fun read for people who spend time outdoors. I realized that I could be adding some fresh vegetables to my diet, and not have to carry them in my backpack. I will explore my options next time I am out.

[NormaJean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much to add to the other reviews. I am a native plant gardener and a serious hiker so I bought the book with both of those interests in mind. Judith knows her stuff so the information is absolutely guaranteed.