11 replies to this topic

[chilli]

Went to set up my turkey blind tonight and spotted these

Now they looked edible so I took a small bite of one and guess what? It tasted just like fiddle heads. Bitter but good. I imagine if I cooked some now it would be like wild spinach.

Does anyone know if they are good/bad to eat?

[spottedGARRR]

I've seen these all around dufferin islands. No idea what they are, good luck

[hammercarp]

I think they are a plant that has a fruit called "may apples". I don't think you should eat the leaves. The fruit is yellow , round and smelled like banana to me.

[winer]

they're not for eating
cut the leaves and dry them
then shred, roll up in paper and light up
after a few puffs you'll feel it


just kidding

[phiphntek]

I know them as mayapple also but not sure if there edible.This months OOD magazine has a whole article on Ontario wild edibles but I just glanced through it yesterday.

[smerchly]

Here's a link . Eat the ripe berries only ......get them before the tree rats do. !




http://www.wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/f...pple/index.html

[chilli]

Thanks for the link. I didn't see anything about eating the young leaves though

[spottedGARRR]

Thanks for the link Smerch-a-saurus, we've always admired these plants for hiding their flower as they do, had no idea we could eat the fruits!

[lakerunner]

Those are definately Mayapples. It is good to know the plants of our forests, in case you are every in an emergency. Persoally I would not harvest wild Fiddleheads or Mayapples since they propogate for further generations. Good knowlege to know though....

[FishyWishy]

lakerunner, on Apr 24 2010, 02:08 PM, said:

Those are definately Mayapples. It is good to know the plants of our forests, in case you are every in an emergency. Persoally I would not harvest wild Fiddleheads or Mayapples since they propogate for further generations. Good knowlege to know though....

I hear what you are saying. But if done in moderation, with conservation in mind I don't think it is too damaging....If overdone though.....

If you come across a large patch I would say only take a few and that goes for leeks, morels, fiddle heads, may apples. Etc.

FW

[chilli]

I agree. Actual eating from the wild in moderation is healthy for both you and the local habitat for 2 reasons. If people eat the edible wild they care more about the impacts that effect it.

Also suddenly changing your diet to plants that are foreign to your body on a regular basis can cause the shitz which can dehydrate you in emergency situations. Little nibbles while hunting and fishing are good for you. If you had to survive on these foods long term it could also lead to diabetes so pass these eating habits down to your kids or they could end up like the North American Indians which have a very high rate of diabetes thanks to being forced into a new diet so quickly by the new settlers.

[lakerunner]

I agree that no harm is done taking little nibbles while hunting and fishing, depending on the species. I have taken seeds and nuts and replanted them in a natural area in my back yard. What I am opposed to is greedy people that take the plants in large quantities. I have witnessed people with plastic bags harvesting plants in the wild, taking anything in sight.
I like the concept of planting a natural garden, and harvesting my own. It is very challenging to do this. One must also take into consideration where you are taking the plants from. For example I would not take fiddle heads from the Niagara Glen area, which is a very delicate ecosystem and all plants are protected. One must also be careful where one takes the plants from. What may appear as safe and natural may not be so. For example watercress such as that found at Queenston Docks may be contaminated. Until recent years septic systems leaked into this stream. Related to this is people who drink from springs, assuming the water is potable. Many springs in the Niagara Gorge are contaminated by chemicals used nearby. Other popular springs, have been posted as contaminated due to local chemical dumps and urban runnoff. Emergency situations are different. For example taking forest deadwood and boughs for shelter. It bothers me that at Woodend in Niagara Falls educators encourage students to take dead wood from the forest floor to teach children how to make emergency shelters, when one example could be used, torn down and used again. Instead they encourage children to go off the paths and take wood off the forest floor, not realizing the impact this may have, and the importance of decomposing logs in the ecosystem. Common sense and moderation must be the rule of thumb.